Phenylpropanolamine contained in cold remedies and risk of hemorrhagic stroke

In this study, we sought to elucidate whether phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in cold remedies (small and divided doses) increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (HS). PPA exposure significantly increased the risk, and the risk was much higher in women. In women, linear trends were also found in recency, duration, and dosage of PPA exposure. PPA contained in cold remedies increases the risk of HS, particularly in women.

Application of iron-coated sand and manganese-coated sand on the treatment of both As(III) and As(V)

In this study, manganese-coated sand (MCS) and iron-coated sand (ICS) were applied in the oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(V), respectively. ICS and MCS were prepared by mixing FeCl3 and Mn(NO3)2, respectively, with Joomoonjin sand at 150 degrees C. In the batch adsorption isotherms, adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto ICS followed a Langmuir type. ICS showed a greater capacity in the removal of As(V) than As(III) and also in the removal of As(V) compared with MCS. Three different configurations of ICS and MCS were used to investigate the oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(V) in a column. In the homogenised system, arsenic breakthrough was approximately two-times delayed compared with the separately packed systems. After breakthrough of arsenic, concentration of As(III) in the effluents was below 40 ppb for the entire reaction period in all configurations, and most arsenic was identified as As(V) owing to near complete conversion of As(III) to As(V) by MCS. The catalytic activity of MCS on the oxidation of As(III) was maintained up to 700 pore volumes, which corresponds to the treatment of at least 300 mg As(III) based on the 1 kg MCS. Compared with the homogenised column, the released Mn(II) concentration from two-staged and four-staged columns was great for the entire reaction period. In the case where the same amount of ICS and MCS was packed in a filtration system, the homogenised column was identified as a better configuration compared with the two-staged and four-staged columns when considering the arsenic breakthrough time as well as the released concentration of Fe(III) and Mn(II).

Potential application of manganese coated sand in the removal of Mn(II) from aqueous solutions

The aim of this study was to explore the applicability of manganese coated sand (MCS) in the presence and absence of sodium hypochlorite for the removal of Mn(II) (2 mg/L) from aqueous solutions. Sand itself is widely used as a filter media for the treatment of wastewaters and it was reported that during the treatment, Mn(II), which is present in the wastewater, is to be deposited on the surface of sand in the form of manganese dioxide. The present investigation dealt with various MCS samples, prepared in the laboratory by various doses of Mn(II) (i.e. from 0.05 to 0.2 mol/L) and the samples were obtained from the pilot plant and naturally coated in the water treatment plant for the removal of Mn(II) in the batch and column studies. Moreover, it was realised that the role of hypochlorite is multifunctional as it not only enhances the uptake of Mn(II) on the surface of MCS through oxidation of Mn(II) into Mn(IV) and hence the formation of manganese dioxide, but it was also supposed to disinfect the bacteria or harmful pathogens from the waste/surface waters. The results obtained clearly inferred that various MCS samples used for the removal of Mn(II) from aqueous solutions showed comparable removal efficiency. However, the presence of sodium hypochlorite greatly enhanced the removal of Mn(II) as more than 80% Mn(II) was removed in the presence of sodium hypochlorite at around pH 6.5. Similarly, while comparing the column data it was again noted that the breakthrough points occurred after the 4,100 and 6,500 bed volumes, respectively, in the absence and in the presence of sodium hypochlorite (2 mg/L).

Removal of toxic heavy metals by iron-coated starfish

In this study, the applicability of calcined starfish (SF) and iron-coated SF (ICSF) as potential adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater containing heavy metal ions was evaluated. ICSF was prepared by mixing FeCl(3) solution previously adjusted to pH 7 approximately 9 with SF at 105 degrees C. From the dissolution test at pH 2, ICSF showed strong acid-proof properties. In the batch adsorption, Cu(II) adsorption onto ICSF was completed within 150 minutes, while 47% Cu(II) was removed with SF alone. This result clearly suggests that the coated Fe(III) serves additional adsorption sites, resulting in the enhanced removal of heavy metal ions. The removed fraction of both Cu(II) and Pb(II) increased with increasing solution pH and nearly complete removals of Pb(II) and Cu(II) were observed at around pH 6 and 8, respectively. From the adsorption isotherm of Cu(II) onto SF and ICSF at pH 3.0, the removed amount of Cu(II) by ICSF was greater than that by SF over the entire concentration range studied. In the column test, the breakthrough of Cu(II) in the ICSF column was greatly retarded compared to that in the SF column. Based on the drinking water regulations for Cu(II), SF and ICSF were able to remove 3400 and 8600 mg/kg of Cu(II) from the wastewater, respectively.

Clinical Trials Assessing the Optimal Management of Brain Metastases — the State of Play

These three clinical trials offer the opportunity to answer the controversies and uncertainties that exist in managing patients with brain metastases: for patients with solitary brain metastasis there is the EORTC trial, for patients with NSCLC, where there is a certainty that the patient should receive radiotherapy, there is TACTIC, and where there is uncertainty of the benefit of radiotherapy there is QUARTZ. We would encourage all clinical oncologists seeing patients with brain metastases to consider patients for entry into any one of these trials.

STM, QCM, and the windshield wiper effect: a joint theoretical-experimental study of adsorbate mobility and lubrication at high sliding rates

We have observed that when mobile adsorbed films of benzene, tricresyl phosphate, and tertiary-butyl phenyl phosphate are present on the surface electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), oscillation of the QCM produces clearer scanning tunneling microscope (STM) images of the electrode surface. This is in contrast to an immobile overlayer of iodobenzene, where oscillation of the QCM does not affect image quality. This observation is attributed to a "windshield wiper effect", where at MHz frequencies the tip motion maintains a region of the surface where the absorbate concentration is reduced, which leads to a clearer image. A straightforward model is presented that supports this conclusion and that provides guidelines for effective lubrication of contacts operating at MHz frequencies.

The Impact of Arteriovenous Malformation Radiosurgery on the Brain: From Morphology and Perfusion to Neurocognition

The therapeutic aims of brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) radiosurgery are multiple. Protecting patients from rebleeding is the prime goal. Among the others, hemodynamics, perfusion and neurocognition recovery are interesting and important. Anatomically AVM contains an abnormal cluster of vascular networks (nidus) between arteries and veins. Hemodynamically the nidus contains a low resistance and causes high-flow transnidal shunts between both sides of the nidus. The shunts cause hypotension in the neighboring arteries and diversion of blood from the adjacent brain tissues. The diversion disturbs brain hemodynamics. Radiosurgery, by eliminating the nidus, reconstitutes normal brain hemodynamics. From the early stage after radiosurgery, the abnormal transnidal flows gradually decrease, and the adjacent hemodynamics recovers toward normal. For nonhemorrhagic AVM, improvement of seizure control and stable or improved neurological status are observed clinically. The radiosurgical effects are also reflected in the recovery of metabolism in the adjacent brain and neurocognitive function paralleling the hemodynamic normalization. Morphological cure of AVM and the associated recovery of brain hemodynamics, metabolism and neurocognitive function form the therapeutic rationale of AVM radiosurgery.

Molecular characterization of Enterococcus faecium isolated from hospitalized patients in Korea

AIMS

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) from diverse geographical areas in Korea to obtain insights into the genetic relationships with other molecular profiles. To understand the diversity of lineages, vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEF) were included.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 60 E. faecium isolates were analysed by MLST and esp profile. Molecular typing of Tn1546 of 30 VREF strains was evaluated by overlapping PCR of Tn1546 and DNA sequencing. Seven sequence types (ST) were found among 30 VSEF isolates, and four STs were found among 30 VREF isolates. The types most frequently encountered were ST 78 (26 isolates) and ST 203 (16 isolates). Of the 60 E. faecium isolates, 35 isolates were positive for the esp gene. On molecular typing of Tn1546, all VREF isolates were divided into four main types. Strains with the same ST showed divergence in Tn1546 types and strains with the same Tn1546 type represented different STs.

CONCLUSIONS

An association between Tn1546 typing and MLST was not found.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results suggest that the horizontal spread of Tn1546 between strains plays a major role in the dissemination of vancomycin resistance in Korea.

Posterior circulation ischemic stroke in Korean population

To understand the characteristics of posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCS) in the Korean population better, we retrospectively reviewed the data from the Hallym Stroke Registry (HSR). We analyzed the demographic features, risk factors, stroke subtypes, lesion distributions and clinical outcomes of 591 consecutive patients with PCS, enrolled in HSR between January 1996 and July 2002. PCS was 39.8% of all ischemic strokes. Mean age of PCS patients was 63.4 years and 55.7% were men. Hypertension was the most common risk factor (69.9%). However, potential cardioembolic sources were found only in 11.0%. The most frequent stroke subtype was large artery disease (50.0%), followed by small vessel disease (33.8%). Only 5.2% of patients were classified as affected with cardioembolism. The most common location of infarcts was in the middle territory (36.5%), followed by distal (28.1%), proximal (19.0%), and multiple territories (16.4%). The hospital mortality rate (4.1%) and discharge outcome of PCS were comparable with those of the anterior circulation stroke (ACS). In conclusion, the etiology and lesion topography of PCS in the Korean population appeared to be different from those of the Caucasians.

Essential protective roles of reactive astrocytes in traumatic brain injury

Astrocytes respond to traumatic brain injury (TBI) by altered gene expression, hypertrophy and proliferation that occur in a gradated fashion in relation to the severity of the injury. Both beneficial and detrimental effects have been attributed to reactive astrocytes, but their roles after brain injury are not well understood. To investigate these roles, we determined the effects on cortical tissue of ablating reactive astrocytes after contusion injury generated by controlled cortical impact (CCI) of different severities in transgenic mice that express a glial fibrillary acidic protein-herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase transgene. Treatment of these mice with the antiviral agent, ganciclovir, conditionally ablates proliferating reactive astrocytes. Moderate or severe CCI were generated with a precisely regulated pneumatic piston, and forebrain tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative morphometry. Moderate CCI in control mice triggered extensive and persisting reactive astrogliosis, with most neurons being preserved, little inflammation and an 18% loss of cortical tissue beneath the impact site. Ablation of reactive astrocytes after moderate CCI in transgenic mice caused substantial neuronal degeneration and inflammation, with a significantly greater 60% loss of cortical tissue. Severe CCI in control mice caused pronounced neuronal degeneration and loss of about 88% of cortical tissue that was not significantly altered by ablating reactive astrocytes in transgenic mice. Thus, ablation of dividing reactive astrocytes exacerbated cortical degeneration after moderate CCI, but did not alter cortical degeneration after severe CCI. These findings indicate that the reactive astrocytes play essential roles in preserving neural tissue and restricting inflammation after moderate focal brain injury.

Association of Br polymorphism of platelet GP Ia gene and immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Studies on the molecular structure underlying Br(a)/Br(b) (HPA-5) platelet alloantigen show that a single base polymorphism at position 1648 on platelet mRNA coding for GP Ia results in a amino acid substitution at position 505 on the mature GP Ia which is associated with the two serologically defined Br types. While this polymorphism has no known effects on platelet function, the possible influence of this polymorphism in immune thrombocytopenia ITP is again unexplored. Therefore, the genotype frequency of Br polymorphism in ITP was compared with that of healthy general Korean population. Interestingly, there was a statistical difference (P=0.03) in genotype frequency of Br polymorphism. The association of Br(a)/Br(b) (HPA-5)genotype and occurrence of ITP may suggest the possible influence of genetic polymorphism on the pathogenesis of ITP.

The effects of the exaggerated lithotomy position for radical perineal prostatectomy on respiratory mechanics

The exaggerated lithotomy position is used during radical perineal prostatectomy to increase perineal exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the exaggerated lithotomy position on respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gases. In the exaggerated lithotomy position, dynamic compliance and static compliance were found to be significantly decreased by 27.4% and 34.8%, respectively, whilst peak, plateau, and mean airway pressures increased significantly by 34.0%, 45.8% and 31.7%, respectively. The physiological dead space/tidal volume ratio and total inspiratory work of breathing increased significantly by 11.1% and 33.7%, respectively. Arterial oxygen tension was significantly decreased by 26.9%; however, no significant differences were seen in end-tidal or arterial carbon dioxide tension. These results indicate that the exaggerated lithotomy position under general anaesthesia can cause significant effects on respiratory system mechanics and arterial oxygenation and highlights the need for careful monitoring of patients placed in this position for surgery.

Prognostic factors for surgical resection in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

Although surgical lung resection could improve prognosis in some patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), there are no reports on the optimal candidates for this surgery. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the prognostic factors for surgery in patients with MDR-TB. Patients who underwent lung resection for the treatment of MDR-TB between March 1993 and December 2004 were included in the present study. Treatment failure was defined as greater than or equal to two of the five cultures recorded in the final 12 months of treatment being positive, any one of the final three cultures being positive, or the patient having died during treatment. The variables that affected treatment outcomes were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. In total, 79 patients with MDR-TB were included in the present study. The treatment outcomes of 22 (27.8%) patients were classified as failure. A body mass index <18.5 kg x m(-2), primary resistance, resistance to ofloxacin and the presence of a cavitary lesion beyond the range of the surgical resection were associated with treatment failure. Low body mass index, primary resistance, resistance to ofloxacin and cavitary lesions beyond the range of resection are possible poor prognostic factors for surgical lung resection in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients.

Effect of water-soluble reduced chitosan on Streptococcus mutans, plaque regrowth and biofilm vitality

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a newly developed water-soluble reduced chitosan on Streptococcus mutans, plaque regrowth, and biofilm vitality. A 1.0%, water-soluble reduced chitosan, with pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, molecular weights between 3,000 and 5,000 Da, and 70% degree of deacetylation, was used. To determine antibacterial and antiplaque potency of chitosan, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for S. mutans and S. sanguinis (formerly S. sanguis), short-term exposure to S. mutans, and clinical trial of plaque regrowth and biofilm vitality were conducted. Twelve dental students volunteered to participate in the 6-week, double blind, randomized clinical trial using the classical 4-day plaque regrowth design. The MIC of water-soluble reduced chitosan for S. mutans was 1.25 g/l. While the cells exposed to distilled water (DW) grew rapidly, with a maximum turbidity reached by 16 h postinoculation, S. mutans exposed to chitosan (5.0 g/l) exhibited a substantial delay in growth and reached a maximum turbidity by 32 h postinoculation. The chitosan solution reduced the plaque index and the vitality of the plaque flora significantly when compared to DW, but this was less than the reductions found with the positive control of 0.1% chlorhexidine solution. The water-soluble reduced chitosan exhibited potent antibacterial effect on S. mutans, and displayed a significant antibacterial and plaque-reducing action during the 4-day plaque regrowth.

Resistant pure red cell aplasia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with major ABO mismatch treated by purified CD34+ cell infusion

We report a case of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) subsequent to an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with a major ABO mismatch, which was resistant to the standard treatment options such as plasma exchange, erythropoietin and changes in the immunosuppressive treatment. Accordingly, two cycles of Rituximab therapy were administered without success. The patient had a chronic graft-vs.-host disease of the liver, which meant that an additional donor leukocyte infusion could not be introduced. Instead, purified CD34(+) cells were administered after fludarabine and antithymocyte globulin therapy. As a result, the PRCA was resolved and the antidonor isohemagglutinin titer became undetectable.

HTLV-1 induced molecular mimicry in neurological disease

As a model for molecular mimicry, we study patients infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) who develop a neurological disease called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a disease with important biological similarities to multiple sclerosis (MS) (Khan et al. 2001; Levin et al. 1998, 2002a; Levin and Jacobson 1997). The study of HAM/TSP, a disease associated with a known environmental agent (HTLV-1), allows for the direct comparison of the infecting agent with host antigens. Neurological disease in HAM/TSP patients is associated with immune responses to HTLV-1-tax (a regulatory and immunodominant protein) and human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*0101 (Bangham 2000; Jacobson et al. 1990; Jeffery et al. 1999; Lal 1996). Recently, we showed that HAM/TSP patients make antibodies to heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein A1 (hnRNP A1), a neuron-specific autoantigen (Levin et al. 2002a). Monoclonal antibodies to tax cross-reacted with hnRNP A1, indicating molecular mimicry between the two proteins. Infusion of cross-reactive antibodies with an ex vivo system completely inhibited neuronal firing indicative of their pathogenic nature (Kalume et al. 2004; Levin et al. 2002a). These data demonstrate a clear link between chronic viral infection and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in humans and, we believe, in turn will give insight into the pathogenesis of MS.

A prospective randomized study on the mobilization of CD34+ cells comparing continuous intravenous vs subcutaneous administration of rhG-CSF in normal donors

The efficacy of mobilizing peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) with continuous intravenous (c.i.v.) administration of rhG-CSF was randomly compared to subcutaneous (s.c.) administration, in 15 normal donors in each arm of the study for 6 days. The percentage and absolute numbers of CD34+ cells in the c.i.v. and s.c. groups increased maximally at day 3 and 5, respectively, when compared with the steady-state (day 0) level. Peak CD34+ cell levels were achieved on day 3 in the c.i.v. group, with more rapid results than in the s.c. group (49.3/microl vs 35.9/microl, P=0.043). Plasma rhG-CSF levels declined progressively during mobilization in each group as the WBC increased. The serum level of rhG-CSF did not correlate with CD34+ cell counts in the peripheral blood. Toxicity profiles in the c.i.v. and s.c. groups were similar. Each regimen was effective in successfully mobilizing the target CD34 cell number.

Treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD): results of a phase II study

Monthly intravenous pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) 50 mg m⁻², although well tolerated, showed almost no activity in this phase II study of 16 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with a response rate of 0%, stable disease 19%, median time to progression of 2.4 months, 1-year survival of 25% and median survival of 6.5 months.

Oral insertion of a flexible bronchoscope is associated with less discomfort than nasal insertion for Korean patients

OBJECTIVE

The route of bronchoscope insertion varies between centres, without a firm rationale based on well-designed studies. We therefore compared nasal and oral insertion of a flexible bronchoscope and evaluated efficacy and patient satisfaction.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised study of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy from May to September 2003 and who were randomly assigned to nasal and oral insertion approaches.

RESULTS

Clinical characteristics, factors related to the procedure and patient satisfaction were analysed. In total, 307 patients were randomly assigned to the nasal (n = 158) or oral insertion groups (n = 149). No difference in baseline characteristics was identified between the groups. Insertion by the oral route was associated with a smaller amount of lidocaine use during the procedure (P = 0.04) and less frequent insertion site bleeding (P = 0.005). Patients assigned to oral insertion reported less discomfort during anaesthesia (P = 0.01) and scope insertion (P < 0.001), as well as less dyspnoea (P = 0.04) and coughing (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Oral insertion of a flexible bronchoscope was associated with less discomfort for patients than nasal insertion, although the route of insertion had no significant effect on outcome.

Gemcitabine plus carboplatin versus mitomycin, ifosfamide, and cisplatin in patients with stage IIIB or IV non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase III randomized study of the London Lung Cancer Group

PURPOSE

This phase III randomized trial compared two chemotherapy regimens, gemcitabine plus carboplatin and mitomycin, ifosfamide, and cisplatin, in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The regimens were compared with regard to effects on survival, response rates, toxicity, and quality of life.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had previously untreated stage IIIB or IV NSCLC suitable for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Randomly assigned patients were to receive four cycles, each at 3-week intervals, of carboplatin area under the curve of 5 on day 1 plus gemcitabine 1,200 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 (GCa) or mitomycin 6 mg/m(2), ifosfamide 3g/m(2), and cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) on day 1 (MIC).

RESULTS

Between February 1999 and August 2001, 422 patients (GCa, n = 212; MIC, n = 210) were randomly assigned in the United Kingdom. The majority of patients received the intended four cycles (GCa, 64%; MIC, 61%). There was a significant survival advantage for GCa compared with MIC (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0. 93; P = .008). Median survival was 10 months with GCa and 7.6 months with MIC (difference, 2.4 months; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.0), and 1-year survival was 40% with GCa and 30% with MIC (difference, 10%; 95% CI, 3% to 18%). Overall response rates were similar (42% for GCa v 41% for MIC; P = .84). More thrombocytopenia occurred with GCa (P = .03), but this was not associated with increased hospital admission or fatality. GCa caused less nausea, vomiting, constipation, and alopecia and was associated with fewer admissions for administration and better quality of life.

CONCLUSION

In patients with advanced NSCLC, GCa chemotherapy was shown to be a better-tolerated treatment that conferred a survival advantage over MIC.

Role of NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP+-ICDH) on cellular defence against oxidative injury by gamma-rays

PURPOSE

To investigate the regulation of NADPH-producing isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) in cytosol (IDPc) and mitochondria (IDPm) upon gamma-ray irradiation, and the roles of IDPc and IDPm in the protection against cellular damage induced by gamma-ray irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes of IDPc and IDPm proteins upon gamma-ray irradiation to NIH3T3 cells were analysed by immunoblotting. To increase or decrease the expression of IDPc or IDPm, NIH3T3 cells were stably transfected with mouse IDPc or IDPm cDNA in either the sense or the antisense direction. The transfected cells with either increased or decreased IDPc or IDPm were exposed to gamma-rays, and the levels of reactive oxygen species generation, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation were measured.

RESULTS

Both IDPc and IDPm activities were induced by gamma-ray in NIH3T3 cells. Cells with decreased expression of IDPc or IDPm had elevated reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Conversely, overproduction of IDPc or IDPm protein partially protected the cells from oxidative damage induced by gamma-ray irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective role of IDPc and IDPm against gamma-ray-induced cellular damage can be attributed to elevated NADPH, reducing equivalents needed for recycling reduced glutathione in the cytosol and mitochondria. Thus, a primary biological function of the ICDHs may be production of NADPH, which is a prerequisite for some cellular defence systems against oxidative damage.

Multipotent neural precursors express neural and hematopoietic factors, and enhance ex vivo expansion of cord blood CD34+ cells, colony forming units and NOD/SCID-repopulating cells in contact and noncontact cultures

In view of the possible crosstalks between hematopoiesis and neuropoiesis, we evaluated two microenvironments, murine neonatal neural cell line C17.2 and primary embryonic aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) stromal cells, on the ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cells from human cord blood. In a contact culture system, C17.2 or AGM cells significantly enhanced the expansion of CD34+ cells to a panel of early and committed hematopoietic progenitor cells. In a noncontact transwell system, pre-established C17.2 cells significantly increased the expansion of total nucleated cells, CD34+ cells and multilineage colony forming cells (P<0.01). Expanded cells were infused into nonobese diabetic/severe-combined immunodeficient mice. The engraftment of human (hu)CD45+ cells in the bone marrow of these mice was consistently higher in all the 10 experiments conducted with the support of C17.2 cells when compared with those in respective control groups (11.9 vs 2.43%, P=0.03). Using RT-PCR and Southern blot analysis, we showed that AGM and C17.2 cells expressed a panel of hematopoietic, bone morphogenetic and neurotrophic factors. Our data provided the first evidence on the promoting effects of a neural progenitor cell line on hematopoiesis at a noncontact condition. The mechanism could be mediated by the expression of multilineage regulatory factors.

Increased cerebral uptake and oxidation of exogenous betaHB improves ATP following traumatic brain injury in adult rats

There is growing evidence of the brain's ability to increase its reliance on alternative metabolic substrates under conditions of energy stress such as starvation, hypoxia and ischemia. We hypothesized that following traumatic brain injury (TBI), which results in immediate changes in energy metabolism, the adult brain increases uptake and oxidation of the alternative substrate beta-hydroxybutyrate (betaHB). Arterio-venous differences were used to determine global cerebral uptake of betaHB and production of 14CO2 from [14C]3-betaHB 3 h after controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. Quantitative bioluminescence was used to assess regional changes in ATP concentration. As expected, adult sham and CCI animals with only endogenously available betaHB showed no significant increase in cerebral uptake of betaHB or 14CO2 production. Increasing arterial betaHB concentrations 2.9-fold with 3 h of betaHB infusion failed to increase cerebral uptake of betaHB or 14CO2 production in adult sham animals. Only CCI animals that received a 3-h betaHB infusion showed an 8.5-fold increase in cerebral uptake of betaHB and greater than 10.7-fold increase in 14CO2 production relative to sham betaHB-infused animals. The TBI-induced 20% decrease in ipsilateral cortical ATP concentration was alleviated by 3 h of betaHB infusion beginning immediately after CCI injury.

Experimental investigation of the mammary gland tumour phantom for multifrequency microwave radio-thermometers

Microwave radiometry is a spectral measurement technique for resolving the electromagnetic radiation of matter when its temperature is above absolute zero. The radio-thermometer utilises this technique and consequently can provide temperature distributions in subcutaneous biological tissues. A new phantom was proposed that imitates a mammary gland tumour, and the brightness temperature was observed using radio-thermometers operated at different frequencies, 1.75GHz and 3GHz. The proposed phantom, simulating heat diffusion propagated by tissues around real tumours, revealed that the thermal characteristics of the tumour imitator were well matched to the heat transfer properties of a real tumour and a proportional linear relationship between the location of the tumour imitator and the brightness temperature in a homogenous medium was established. From experiments using the proposed mammary gland tumour phantom and a clinical trial on patients with breast cancer, it could be concluded that a radio-thermometer with a short wavelength (lambda = 10cm, i.e. f= 3GHz) is useful to resolve a thermal anomaly at a shallow depth in an homogenous medium such as a breast.

Small Cell Lung Cancer Associated with Anti-Hu Paraneoplastic Sensory Neuropathy and Peripheral Nerve Microvasculitis: Case Report and Literature Review

A 53-year-old man presented with an 8-week history of upper and lower limb paraesthesia. Neurological examination revealed a glove and stocking distribution of sensory loss. Sural nerve biopsy showed severe axonal neuropathy associated with microvasculitis. Positron-emission tomography and thoracic computed tomography helped in localising the underlying malignancy. A transbronchial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Neuroimmunological studies identified anti-Hu antibodies and confirmed a paraneoplastic aetiology for his neuropathy. Treatment of small cell lung cancer with carboplatin and etoposide resulted in significant improvement of neurological symptoms. We report a case of a patient with SCLC and anti-Hu paraneoplastic sensory neuropathy with microvasculitis, and discuss the literature on prognosis of patients with SCLC with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes compared with patients with SCLC only.

Ventilation efficiencies and thermal comfort results of a desk-edge-mounted task ventilation system

In chamber experiments, we investigated the ventilation effectiveness and thermal comfort of a task ventilation system with an air supply nozzle located underneath the front edge of a desk and directing air towards a heated mannequin or a human volunteer seated at the desk. The task ventilation system provided outside air, while another ventilation system provided additional space cooling but no outside air. Test variables included the vertical angle of air supply (-15 degrees to 45 degrees from horizontal), and the supply flow rate of (3.5-6.5 l/s). Using the tracer gas step-up and step-down procedures, the measured air change effectiveness (i.e., exhaust air age divided by age of air in the breathing zone) in experiments with the mannequin ranged from 1.4 to 2.7 (median, 1.8), whereas with human subjects the air change effectiveness ranged from 1.3 to 2.3 (median, 1.6). The majority of the air change effectiveness values with the human subjects were less than values with the mannequin using comparable tests. Similarly, the tests run with supply air temperature equal to the room air temperature had lower air change effectiveness values than comparable tests with the supply air temperature lower ( approximately 5 degrees C) than the room air temperature. The air change effectiveness values are higher than typically reported for commercially-available task ventilation or displacement ventilation systems. Based on surveys completed by the subjects, operation of the task ventilation system did not cause thermal discomfort.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

With a desk-edge-mounted task ventilation system it is possible to obtain an increase in the effective ventilation rate of 50%. This could lead to reduced energy use. Also, this improvement can be gained while maintaining thermal comfort for occupants. Thus occupants can be thermally comfortable and save energy at the same time.

Gait adaptations in patients with longstanding hip fusion

PURPOSE

To examine the long-term effects of hip arthrodesis in terms of gait adaptations.

METHODS

Motion analysis was performed on 9 patients who underwent unilateral hip arthrodesis between 1979 and 1991. A standard clinical gait analysis 3-dimensional model for the lower limb was used to calculate the effect of the fused hip on walking, compared with the contralateral normal hip.

RESULTS

Significant (p<0.05) gait adaptations noted in the fused side were, compensatory hip hiking during the swing-phase, a 24% reduction in hip adduction moment, a 37% decrease in genu-varus moment, 80% reduced hip power, and excessive pelvic tilt.

CONCLUSION

It appears that the excess pelvic tilt observed was to achieve relative hip extension via increased relative lumbar lordosis, while the decreased coronal plane moments of the hip and knee observed were to reduce joint loading on the affected side.

Wax moth, Galleria mellonella, high density lipophorin receptor: alternative splicing, tissue-specific expression, and developmental regulation

A lipophorin (Lp) receptor cDNA from the fat body of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) was cloned and sequenced. This is the first result in this order, Lepidoptera. It showed the pattern of the VLDL receptor belonging to the LDL receptor family. Sequence homology with other Lp receptors in insects, Locusta migratoria and Aedes aegypti, was 70 and 61%, respectively and each domain was highly conserved. Polyclonal anti-Lp receptor antibody prepared against expressed Lp receptor fragment between ligand binding domain and EGF-precursor homology domain (R305-D549 of amino acid residues) specifically detected the Lp receptor. Through immuno-blotting, the Lp receptor of larval fat body has an approximate molecular mass of about 97 and 110 kDa under non-reducing and reducing conditions, respectively. This result was in agreement with that of the ligand-blotting. The variant Lp receptors were expressed in the fat body of G. mellonella; one is an Lp receptor which lacks 84 bp of O-linked sugar domain and the other is a full length form of the Lp receptor. Both forms were detected by the polyclonal anti-Lp receptor antibody. The Lp receptor from the fat body of G. mellonella was differently expressed depending on the tissue and the developmental stage with specific abundance in prepupal stage. A steroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) plays a crucial role in insect development. With regards to this conception, day 1-2 last instar larvae were treated with 20-HE and drastic induction of the Lp receptor was observed 48 h after treatment. It was also observed that cholesterol caused an induction of the Lp receptor.

Contraction-sensitive skeletal muscle afferents inhibit arterial baroreceptor signalling in the nucleus of the solitary tract: role of intrinsic GABA interneurons

Arterial baroreceptor and skeletal muscle receptor afferents relay sensory information to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) during exercise. Previous studies have suggested that skeletal muscle afferent input inhibits baroreflex function; however, detailed information on the role of muscle afferents and GABAergic mechanisms in the NTS is limited. Furthermore, identification of specific afferent modalities that activate GABAergic neurons in the NTS remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the neuroanatomical and physiological interactions between spinal dorsal horn cells that transmit contraction-sensitive input from skeletal muscle and GABAergic interneurons in the NTS. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA, 10%, 25-100 nL) microinjection into dorsal horn of the cervical spinal cord was combined with glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) immunohistochemistry to visualize the nature of the relationship of BDA-labeled fibers in the NTS with GAD immunoreactivity (GAD-ir). BDA-labeled axons and terminal processes were localized in the medial, commissural, dorsomedial and dorsolateral subdivisions of the caudal NTS. Moreover, BDA-labeled fibers were observed in close proximity to GAD-ir structures throughout these regions of the NTS. The physiological interaction between skeletal muscle receptor and arterial baroreceptor afferents was investigated using an arterially perfused, decerebrate rat preparation. Activation of skeletal muscle afferents by electrically evoked twitch contraction of the forelimb attenuated baroreflex responsiveness (BR, calculated as the ratio of changes in heart rate to systemic pressure) from -1.5+/-0.3 bpm.mm Hg(-1) to -0.1+/-0.1 bpm.mm Hg(-1) (control versus contraction, P<0.05, n=15). However, forelimb contraction failed to inhibit the reflex bradycardia evoked by activation of peripheral chemoreceptor afferents, indicating a reflex-specific action. Bilateral microinjection of bicuculline methiodide (BIC, 10 microM, 40-60 nL) into the caudal NTS restored baroreflex responsiveness during contraction (-1.6+/-0.2 versus -0.1+/-0.1 versus -1.5+/-0.2 bpm.mmHg(-1), control versus contraction versus contraction+BIC P<0.05, n=8). We conclude that activation of ascending spinal neurons from the cervical dorsal horn by contraction-sensitive skeletal muscle afferents selectively inhibits arterial baroreceptor signaling in the NTS via activation of a GABAergic mechanism.

Expression of the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin as a fusion protein in transgenic tomato

Epitopes often require co-delivery with an adjuvant or targeting protein to enable recognition by the immune system. This paper reports the ability of transgenic tomato plants to express a fusion protein consisting of the B subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) and an immunocontraceptive epitope. The fusion protein was found to assemble into pentamers, as evidenced by its ability to bind to gangliosides, and had an average expression level of 37.8 microg g(-1) in freeze-dried transgenic tissues. Processing of selected transgenic fruit resulted in a 16-fold increase in concentration of the antigen with minimal loss in detectable antigen. The species-specific nature of this epitope was shown by the inability of antibodies raised against non-target species to detect the LTB fusion protein. The immunocontraceptive ability of this vaccine will be tested in future pilot mice studies.

IgG in brain correlates with clinicopathological damage in HTLV-1 associated neurologic disease

OBJECTIVE

To test the authors' hypothesis that antibody deposition in autopsy specimens from patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) would correlate with CNS damage.

METHODS

Endogenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected using antihuman IgG in autopsy tissues from HAM/TSP and control patients. IgG was isolated from the CSF, CNS, and sera of patients with HAM/TSP and tested for reactivity to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1), an autoantigen recently associated with molecular mimicry in HAM/TSP.

RESULTS

In situ IgG localized to elements of the corticospinal system including neurons of the frontal cortex and precentral gyrus, as well as throughout axons in subcortical white matter, periventricular white matter, posterior limb of the internal capsule, midbrain, pons, and medulla. Similarly, there was IgG deposition within the posterior-column/medial lemniscal sensory system, including the arcuate fibers of the cranial-cervical junction, the nucleus cuneatus, and throughout the course of the medial lemniscus in the medulla, pons, and midbrain. IgG from brain, CSF, and serum of the patients with HAM/TSP showed immunoreactivity with hnRNP A1.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HAM/TSP develop antibodies specific for neurons and axons that are preferentially damaged in the CNS.

Comparison of monocyte enrichment by immuno-magnetic depletion or adherence for the clinical-scale generation of DC

BACKGROUND

DC generated from monocytes have been used for vaccines. We have developed a monocyte enrichment procedure by depleting T and B cells with anti-CD2 and anti-CD19 Abs using the automated Isolex 300i magnetic cell selector for clinical-scale DC generation in gas permeable SteriCell culture bags. We have also compared DC function, yield and purity of DC generated from adherent monocytes using culture bags in a closed system, with DC generated in conventional tissue culture flasks.

METHODS

Monocytes were enriched from normal donor apheresis products using CD2/19 depletion with experimental software on the Isolex 300i (ISO), adherence (AD) to SteriCell bags and to T175 flasks and then cultured for 7 days in serum-free X-VIVO 15 media with GM-CSF and IL-4. Phenotype and dextran uptake were analyzed by flow cytometry and allogeneic MLR was also evaluated.

RESULTS

ISO-DC and AD-DC from SteriCell bags showed similar viability. Higher purity of ISO-DC than AD-DC was measured by forward- and side-scatter flow cytometry. Similar expression of CD1a, CD80, CD86 and CD83 were observed in both ISO-DC and AD-DC. Similar dextran uptake and allo MLR were also observed.

DISCUSSION

These data indicated that functional DC were generated in gas permeable SteriCell culture bags from both ISO- and AD-monocytes in a closed system.

Competitive adsorption for binary mixture of 4-nitrophenol and phenol on RSTA using GAC

Adsorption characteristics of a reverse stratified tapered adsorber (RSTA) system and competitive adsorption for phenol and 4-nitrophenol were investigated. In this study, a novel technology, RSTA, was introduced and compared with a conventional cylindrical adsorber (CA). The optimum study of RSTA in a single-solute system with phenol for size distribution, mean velocity and optimum angle was conducted to satisfy environmental criteria and reduce granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment costs. The competitive adsorption efficiency of RSTA and CA was also compared in a binary solute system with phenol and 4-nitrophenol. In the results of single-solute experiment, breakthrough time of RSTA was increased by 30-50% over conventional CA. The mean bed velocity was 19.10 cm/min and the optimum angle of RSTA was decided to 3 degrees. Adsorption efficiency was increased with increasing GAC dose and the number of GAC layers. The affinity of competitive adsorption was significantly increased with decreasing GAC dose and increasing adsorbate concentration. The RSTA can be considered to provide an increase in breakthrough time with decreasing flow rate and increasing the number of layers. Water and wastewater plants processing large volumes of water can realize significant savings in capital and operation costs by utilizing this type of operation.

Cobblestone area-forming cells, long-term culture-initiating cells and NOD/SCID repopulating cells in human neonatal blood: a comparison with umbilical cord blood

Our prior study demonstrated that neonatal blood (NB) contained hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that declined rapidly after birth. To validate that NB is a source of functional stem cells, we characterized this population in terms of cobblestone area-forming cells (CAFC), long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC) and NOD/SCID mouse repopulating cells (SRC) in NB and umbilical cord blood (CB). Our data demonstrated that the frequencies of CAFC (30.2 vs 37.1, P = 0.14) and LTC-IC (28.6 vs 31.0, P = 0.49) in 1 x 10(5) mononuclear cells (MNC) of NB and CB were similar, suggesting that these cells were preserved in the circulation of the neonates shortly after birth. Sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID mice were transplanted with CD34(+) cells enriched from thawed NB and CB. At 6 weeks post transplant, human (hu)CD45(+) cells were detected in the bone marrow (BM), spleen and peripheral blood (PB) of the mice as demonstrated by flow cytometric and DNA analysis. Levels of huCD45(+)cells and colony forming units (CFU) appeared to be dependent on the infusion cell dose and were higher in animals receiving CB cells when compared with those of the NB group. The transplanted cells were capable of differentiation into multi-lineage progenitor cells (CD34(+) cells and differential CFU), as well as mature myeloid (CD14(+), CD33(+)), B lymphoid (CD19(+)) and megakaryocytic (CD61(+)) cells in the recipients. NB cells, subjected to ex vivo culture in an optimized preclinical condition, were significantly expanded to early and committed progenitor cells. Expanded NB contained SRC at a reduced quantity but with high proportions of CD14(+) cells and CD33(+) cells. Our study confirms that NB contains pluripotent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells capable of homing and engrafting the NOD/SCID mice.

Development of a closed-system process for clinical-scale generation of DCs: evaluation of two monocyte-enrichment methods and two culture containers

BACKGROUND

Clinical immunotherapy trials using DCs depend on large-scale methods for DC generation that fulfil current good manufacturing practice requirements. Our goal was to develop data on two variables, monocyte-enrichment method and culture container, which could be used to design a closed-system process for ex vivo generation of immature DCs.

METHODS

Mononuclear cells were collected by leukapheresis and enriched for monocytes by either counterflow centrifugal elutriation, or immunomagnetic selection using Isolex, an automated closed-system device. Monocytes were cultured for 7 days in serum-free medium with GM-CSF and IL-4, using either plastic flasks or gas-permeable Stericell bags. Monocytes and cultured DCs were evaluated for yield, flow cytometric phenotype, and in vitro function in MLR, and autologous recall responses to tetanus toxoid and influenza virus.

RESULTS

Enriched monocyte products from elutriation and immunomagnetic selection were equivalent in yield and purity, and were capable of generating immature DCs in either flasks or bags. DCs from all four culture conditions were equivalent in yield, phenotype, and in vitro function. Mean DC yield was 67-80% per seeding monocyte, and 11-13% per starting mononuclear cell (MNC). A leukapheresis product containing 5 x 10(9) MNCs processed by this method could therefore yield approximately 5 x 10(8) immature DCs.

DISCUSSION

In this manufacturing process, the Isolex system was equivalent to elutriation, and Stericell bags were equivalent to flasks. Together, the Isolex system and Stericell bags can be incorporated into a closed-system process to generate immature DCs.

A high-dose pulse steroid regimen for controlling active chronic graft-versus-host disease

Corticosteroids remain essential for controlling active chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). However, the optimum dose and administration schedule is unknown. We have reviewed our results in 61 patients with severe refractory cGVHD who were treated with a high-dose pulse steroid regimen (PS) consisting of methylprednisolone at 10 mg/kg per day for 4 consecutive days, with subsequent tapering doses. After 4 days, all patients received a course of additional immunosuppressive therapy. The median age of the 56 patients who were evaluable for response was 32 years (range, 0.2-57 years). Patients had failed a median of 2 (range, 1-5) treatments prior to the PS. The median follow-up for 45 surviving patients after PS was 1.5 years. The probability of survival at 1 year and 2 years after PS was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76%-95%) and 81% (95% CI, 65%-91%), respectively. Twenty-seven patients (48%) showed a major response to PS with substantial improvement of cGVHD manifestations, including softening of the skin, increased range of motion, and improved performance status; 15 patients (27%) showed a minor response, defined as improvement in some but not all symptoms of cGVHD. Of the 42 responders, 21 (50%) had progression of their cGVHD afterwards. The median time to progression was 1.9 years. The probability of progression at 1 and 2 years after PS was 36% (95% CI, 23%-53%) and 54% (95% CI, 38%-71%), respectively. The probability of progression at 1 year was 25% (95% CI, 12%-47%) and 55% (95% CI, 32%-81%) for patients who had major and minor response, respectively (hazard ratio, 2.13). Ten of the 42 responders (24%) were able to discontinue all systemic immunosuppressive treatments. The probability of discontinuation at 1 and 2 years after PS was 9% (95% CI, 3%-25%) and 27% (95% CI, 15%-48%), respectively. The treatment was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Our results suggest that PS is a well-tolerated regimen for achieving rapid clinical response in the majority of patients with cGVHD who failed on multiple previous therapies. Further studies are warranted to maintain the efficacy of this regimen by combining with new active agents in cGVHD.

Anti-angiogenic strategies and vascular targeting in the treatment of lung cancer

The generation of new blood vessels, angiogenesis, is important for tumour proliferation and metastasis. This involves a number of interacting processes and factors, such as growth factors and the receptor tyrosine kinases, matrix metalloproteinases and integrins. Studies have shown that tumour vascularity and the overexpression of growth factors and their receptors are of independent prognostic importance in different cancers, including lung cancer. The present article provides a background to angiogenesis and describes the potential targets for anti-angiogenic and vascular targeting strategies in cancer, focusing specifically on carcinoma of the lung. It also describes the anti-angiogenic drugs presently under phase I, II and III investigation and highlights some of the problems associated with the standard methodologies for assessing tumour response and drug efficacy using these agents.

Removal of phosphate by seafood processing wasted sludge

There is a need for developing low cost, easily and abundantly available, yet efficient, adsorbents for the removal of phosphates during the tertiary treatment of wastewater. The wasted sludge from a cuttlefish processing factory prepared on a laboratory scale has been used to evaluate its performance for phosphate adsorption. The material has been shown to be a good alternative adsorbent. As much as 90% phosphate removal by the prepared sludge is possible in about 20 h under the test conditions. Phosphate removal is seen to increase with decreasing adsorbent particle size, increasing the relative concentration of phosphate to sludge and increasing adsorbent dose. Models for predicting phosphate removal incorporate operational variables such as the ratio of phosphate to wasted material and adsorbent dose. These models also manifest high values of the correlation coefficients. Calcium phosphate precipitation in the present experimental system is not a significant phosphate removal mechanism.

Functional characteristics of a new electrolarynx "Evada" having a force sensing resistor sensor

Electrolarynxes have been used as one of the rehabilitation methods for laryngectomees. Earlier electrolarynxes could not alter frequency and intensity simultaneously during conversation. Recently, we developed an electrolarynx named "Evada" (prototype so far) using a force sensing resistor (FSR) sensor that can control both frequency and intensity simultaneously during conversation. Employing three types of electrolarynxes (Evada, Servox-inton, Nu-vois), this study was undertaken to examine the functional characteristics of Evada for the normal control group and for laryngectomess. Five laryngectomees and five normal adults were asked to express three sentences (declarative sentence, "You stay here.", interrogative sentence, "You stay here?", and imperative sentence, "You! Stay here.") using three types of electrolarynxes. Frequency and intensity changes between the first and last vowels in the three sentences were calculated and analyzed statistically by paired t test. The frequency changes in the interrogative and imperative sentences were more prominent in Evada than in Servox-inton and Nu-vois. The intensity changes in the interrogative and imperative sentences were also more prominent in Evada than in Servox-inton and Nu-vois. Evada controls frequency and/or intensity by having the subject press the control button(s). Therefore, Evada appears to be better at producing intonation and contrastive stress than Nu-vois and Servox-inton.

Immunologic recovery after autologous blood stem cell transplantation in patients with AL-amyloidosis

We prospectively studied absolute lymphocyte (ALC) and monocyte counts (AMC), lymphocyte subsets and proliferative in vitro responses to mitogen and antigen in 12 patients with AL-amyloidosis (AL) undergoing autologous blood stem cell transplantation (SCT) with high-dose i.v. melphalan. Myeloid and lymphoid recovery (>500 per microl) occurred in a median of 10 days post SCT. While there was a continuous decline in the number of CD4+ T cells at 3 months, ALC, AMC, B cells (CD19+), CD8+ T cells, and NK cells (CD16+/56+) returned to baseline. While T cell proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) remained depressed, B cell function measured by the proliferative response to staphylococcal antigen returned to baseline by 3 months. To supplement our findings, we retrospectively evaluated ALC, AMC and serum immunoglobulin levels in a separate group of patients treated with the same protocol at our institution. ALC and AMC recovery was similar to the pattern observed in the initial study group. Immunoglobulin levels remained within normal ranges at 3 and 12 months after SCT. Of 50 patients who were followed for a minimum of 1 year following SCT, seven (14%) developed shingles and one (2%) had PCP pneumonia. In conclusion, cellular immune function, reflected by absolute numbers of CD4+ T cells and PHA responsive T cell proliferation, is significantly suppressed at 3 months after SCT in patients with AL, and this post-transplant immunosuppression is associated with a low but clinically meaningful occurrence of opportunistic infections typical of T cell immunosuppression.

Effects of huangqi jianzhong tang on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes

AIM

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZT) on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes.

METHODS

Sixteen male and eight female judo athletes in Hsin-Ming senior high school were randomly and stratified divided into control and experimental group, which received placebo and HQJZT respectively during the five-week training program. The measurement of the hematological and biochemical parameters was performed twice, just before and after the training. The data was analyzed with paired-t test and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The values of RBC, Hb, and Hct were obvious decreased after intervention, while the value of GOT, GPT, BUN, and CK was elevated.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated the hematological and biochemical changes were caused by the physical training but not the effects of HQJZT. The HQJZT had no adverse effects on the judo athletes in our study.

T1 measurements in cell cultures: a new tool for characterizing contrast agents at 1.5T

The objective of this work was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of T1 and relaxivity measurements in cell cultures using 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the long-term goal to develop a tool for evaluation of novel paramagnetic agents in a realistic macromolecular environment. This initial study was carried out using MCF-7 cells treated with independently determined concentrations of Gd-DTPA. Two cell culture systems were evaluated: cell pellets and single layers of cells grown on microporous inserts. High-resolution T1 measurements of cell cultures were acquired with two dimensional Inversion Recovery Fast Spin Echo (2D-IR-FSE), three dimensional Inversion Recovery Fast Spin Echo (3D-IR-FSE), and 3D-SPGR sequences. The T1 and relaxivity accuracy of these sequences was confirmed with aqueous Gd-DTPA samples of known concentration. Relaxivities of 1.71 +/- 0.15 [mM(-1)second(-1)] and 1.55 +/- 0.50 [mM(-1)second(-1)] were measured in the cell pellets and cell monolayers, respectively, and were different from the value of 4.3 [mM(-1)second(-1)] for Gd-DTPA in water. Both cell pellets and monolayers are suitable for initial assessment of novel MR contrast agents.

Inactivation of NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase by reactive oxygen species

Recently, we demonstrated that the control of cytosolic and mitochondrial redox balance and the cellular defense against oxidative damage is one of the primary functions of NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) through supply of NADPH for antioxidant systems. When exposed to various reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen generated by photoactivated dye, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical produced by metal-catalyzed Fenton reactions, ICDH was susceptible to oxidative modification and damage, which was indicated by the loss of activity, fragmentation of the peptide as well as by the formation of carbonyl groups. Oxidative damage to ICDH was inhibited by antioxidant enzymes, free radical scavengers, and spin-trapping agents. The structural alterations of modified enzymes were indicated by the increase in thermal instability and binding of the hydrophobic probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANSA). The reactive oxygen species-mediated damage to ICDH may result in the perturbation of cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms and subsequently lead to a pro-oxidant condition.

Thermovisual evaluation of acupuncture points

The aim of our study is to evaluate the temperature distributions around the acupuncture points and channels by visualizing the infrared emissions emanated from the human skin. Our thermal imaging system that is the most sensitive to 10um long infrared wavelength allows us to recognize the actual location of acupuncture point and analyze its functional condition by examining the temperature gradient between the point and its surrounding skin area. The temperature perception of acupuncture point on extremities is especially important since its location and functional condition have a tendency to be altered if one contract disease such as immunodeficiency, arterial hypertension, and dyskinesia of biliary ducts. Also, thermovisual examinations over the acupuncture points allow us to perform the objective medical treatments by observing the transition of temperature gradients.

Durable treatment-free remission after high-dose cyclophosphamide therapy for previously untreated severe aplastic anemia

BACKGROUND

Severe aplastic anemia is a life-threatening bone marrow failure disorder. High-dose cyclophosphamide therapy followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation cures the disease. However, it requires a suitable donor and carries the risk for graft-versus-host disease. A small pilot study demonstrated that high-dose cyclophosphamide therapy without bone marrow transplantation leads to durable, treatment-free complete remission.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the safety and efficacy of high-dose cyclophosphamide therapy alone in patients with severe aplastic anemia.

DESIGN

Uncontrolled clinical trial.

SETTING

Three tertiary care hospitals.

PATIENTS

19 patients with untreated severe aplastic anemia.

INTERVENTION

Cyclophosphamide, 50 mg/kg of body weight per day for 4 consecutive days.

MEASUREMENTS

Probability of response and overall survival were measured. Complete remission was defined as normal blood count for age and sex. Partial remission was defined as independence from transfusion and an absolute neutrophil count greater than 0.5 x 10(9) cells/L without growth factor support. Nonresponders were patients who remained transfusion dependent or died. Relapse was defined as no longer meeting criteria for partial or complete remission.

RESULTS

The median time to an absolute neutrophil count of 0.5 x 10(9) cells/L was 49 days. The probability of survival was 84% (95% CI, 59% to 95%) at 24 months. The probability of achieving treatment-free remission was 73% (CI, 51% to 91%) at 24 months, and the probability of achieving complete remission was 65% (CI, 39% to 89%) at 50 months. No responding patients have had relapse or have developed secondary clonal disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose cyclophosphamide therapy without bone marrow transplantation produces durable treatment-free remission in severe aplastic anemia. This approach deserves further study in patients with severe aplastic anemia who are not suitable candidates for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Naltrexone dampens ethanol-induced cardiovascular and hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis activation

Alcohol ingestion activates the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This study examined naltrexone effects on alcohol-induced increases in physiological responses and their association with alcohol liking. Using a within-subjects design, heavy drinking men (N = 19) were maintained on each of three naltrexone doses (0, 50, and 100 mg, p.o.) over an 8-day inpatient stay. Within each naltrexone dose, subjects had three alcohol challenge sessions (none, moderate, high) in random order. Autonomic, subjective and endocrine measurements were collected regularly prior to and following alcohol administration. High-dose alcohol ingestion increased heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, skin temperature, ACTH, cortisol and liking of drink effects; responses following the moderate alcohol dose were less consistent. Naltrexone significantly dampened alcohol-induced increases in heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, hormone levels and subjective liking of drink effects. This dampening of cardiovascular and hormonal responses may contribute to the therapeutic effectiveness of naltrexone for reducing alcohol liking and decreasing relapse in alcohol-dependent persons.