Decreased plasma antioxidants in patients with Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVES

It has been suggested that oxidative injuries have an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we assess whether the plasma levels of albumin, bilirubin, and uric acid would be altered in the AD patients compared to those of the healthy controls. Furthermore, we tried to find the correlations between plasma antioxidant levels and the cognitive function in AD patients.

METHODS

The plasma albumin, bilirubin, and uric acid levels were measured by standard methods in 101 AD patients and 101 healthy controls. The Korean version of the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE-K) was used to evaluate the cognitive functions of AD patients.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in the albumin, bilirubin, and uric acid levels in the AD group was found compared to those of the control group. The scores of MMSE-K showed the positive correlation with albumin level in the AD group after adjusting confounding factors such as body mass index, gender and age.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that oxidative injuries could be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, as well as indicating that some antioxidant might be associated with the cognitive functions in AD.

Degradation kinetics and mechanism of RDX and HMX in TiO2 photocatalysis

This study was undertaken to examine the photocatalytic degradation of explosives hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) with a circular photocatalytic reactor, using a UV lamp as a light source and TiO2 as a photocatalyst. The effects of various parameters, such as the RDX or HMX concentration, the amount of TiO, and the initial pH, on the photocatalytic degradation rates of explosives were examined. In the presence of both UV light and TiO2 RDX and HMX were more effectively degraded than with either UV or TiO2 alone. The degradation rates were found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics represented by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Increases in the RDX and HMX degradation rates were obtained with decreasing initial concentrations of the explosives. The RDX and HMX degradation rates were higher at pH 7 than at either pH 3 or pH 11. A dose of approximately 0.7 g l(-1) of TiO2 degraded HMX more rapidly than did higher or lower TiO2 doses. RDX (20 mg l(-1)) photocatalysis resulted in an approximately 20% decrease in TOC, and HMX (5 mg l(-1)) photocatalysis resulted in a 60%, decrease in TOC within 150 minutes. A trace amount of formate was produced as an intermediate that was further mineralized by RDX or HMX photocatalysis. The nitrogen byproducts from the photocatalysis of RDX and HMX were mainly NO3- with NO2-, and NH4+. The total nitrogen recovery was about 60% from RDX (20 mg l(-1)), and 70% from HMX (5 mg l(-1)), respectively. Finally, a mechanism for RDX/HMX photocatalysis was proposed, along with supporting qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Clinical variables associated with early administration of antipsychotics in bipolar mania

This study evaluated the clinical variables associated with the early administration of antipsychotics for the treatment of bipolar mania. 63 out of 97 inpatients with bipolar I disorder according to the DSM-IV criteria and who were consecutively admitted to the Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, between September 2002 and March 2004, were included in the study. Regression analysis was run on the clinical variables in order to identify the factors affecting the early administration of antipsychotics. The route of admission and exposure to antipsychotics at the last follow-up were found to be associated with the early administration of antipsychotics (odds ratios=33.0 and 13.1, respectively). This study suggests that some clinical factors in bipolar mania might be linked to the earlier antipsychotic treatment. However, more studies will be needed to confirm this finding.

Parathion degradation and toxicity reduction in solar photocatalysis and photolysis

The solar photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was investigated using a circulating TiO2/solar light reactor. Under solar photocatalysis condition, parathion was more effectively degraded than solar photolysis and TiO2-only conditions. With solar photocatalysis, 20 mg/L of parathion was completely degraded within 60 min with a TOC decrease of 63% after 150 min. The main ionic byproducts during photocatalysis recovered from parathion degradation were mainly as NO3-, NO2- and NH4+, 80% of the sulphur as SO4(2-), and 5% of phosphorus as PO4(3-). The organic intermediates 4-nitrophenol and methyl paraoxon were also identified, and these were further degraded in solar photocatalytic condition. Two different bioassays (Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna) were used to test the acute toxicity of solutions treated by solar photocatalysis and photolysis. The Microtox test using V. fischeri showed that the toxicity expressed as EC50 (%) value increased from 5.5% to >82% in solar photocatalysis, indicating that the treated solution is non-toxic, but only increased from 4.9 to 20.5% after 150 min in solar photolysis. The acute toxicity test using D. magna showed that EC50 (%) increased from 0.05 to 1.08% under solar photocatalysis, but only increased to 0.12% after 150 min with solar photolysis, indicating the solution is still toxic. The pattern of toxicity reduction parallels the decrease in TOC and the parathion concentrations.

Seizure control of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for non-hemorrhagic arteriovenous malformations

OBJECTIVES

Although radiosurgery has been found to be a safe and effective alternative treatment, seizure outcome of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) radiosurgery has not been documented in detail. We report the effect of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) on seizures associated with AVMs and discuss the various factors that influence the prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1992 and 2004, 246 patients were treated with GKRS for AVMs at Kyung-Hee medical center. Forty five (17.0%) patients have non-hemorrhagic AVMs and presenting symptom was seizure. Two patients of all were excluded from this study due to loss of follow-up after radiosurgery. In this study, retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics, radiologic findings, radiosurgical seizure outcome were performed.

RESULTS

There were 32 male and 11 female with age ranging from 10 to 74 years (mean 35 years). Type of seizure included: general tonic clonic (n = 28); focal motor or sensory (n = 7); partial complex (n = 8). The location of AVM was temporal (n = 18); frontal (n = 9); deep seated (n = 7): parietal (n = 5); occipital (n = 4). Follow-up period was from 8 months to 12 years (mean 46 months). Mean volume was 6.2 cc (2.7-20), mean marginal and maximal dosage was 19.5 (17-26) and 36.6 Gy (13-50). During follow-up after radiosurgical treatment, 23 (53.5%) of 43 patients were seizure-free, 10 (23.3%) had significant improvement, were unchanged in 8 (18.6%) and aggravated in 2 (4.6%) patients. In 33 patients, follow-up angiography or MRI was performed. Complete obliteration was achieved in 16 (49.0%) patients, partial obliteration in 13 (39.0%). Four were unchanged (12.0%). Of 33 patients with follow-up performed, 26 were followed for over 2 years. Eleven (84.6%) of 13 patients with complete obliteration were seizure-free (p < 0.005). Four (36.3%) of 13 with partial obliteration and unchanged remained seizure-free. Fifteen patients had experienced intractable seizure before radiosurgery. After radiosurgery, seizures disappeared in 8 (53%) patients. Seizure frequently decreased in 5 (33%) and 2 patients (14%) were unchanged but none was aggravated. Five (71%) of 7 patients with complete obliteration were seizure-free and 2 (40%) of 5 patients with partial obliteration were seizure-free.

CONCLUSION

Up to now, controversy about resective surgery or radiosurgery as treatment of seizure related to AVMs still remains. In this study, we experienced that Gamma Knife radiosurgery is commonly performed to treat AVMs and can improve symptomatic seizure associated with AVMs. To clarify the mechanism of seizure control in AVMs radiosurgery is difficult, but it seems to be closely related to hemodynamic effects after radiosurgery.

Paroxetine-associated spontaneous sexual stimulation

The sexual side-effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been widely accepted and clinicians should only prescribe these agents for the treatment of premature ejaculation in the real clinical practice. We recently experienced three cases of paroxetine-associated sexual stimulation in the outpatient clinic. Because there is little information in the existing literature on this issue, we report three female cases who developed frequent spontaneous orgasm and increased libido during paroxetine treatment.

Rapid titration versus conventional titration of quetiapine in the treatment of bipolar mania: a preliminary trial

The present trial was designed as a pilot study to re-examine how fast the dose of quetiapine in combination with mood stabilizers can be titrated upward in acutely ill patients with bipolar mania. Patients were assigned to either a rapid titration group (RTG) or a conventional titration group (CTG). Quetiapine was administered twice daily in a 3-day period in the RTG (200 mg/day on day 1; 400 mg/day on day 2; and 600 mg/day on day 3) and in a 5-day period in the CTG (50 mg/day on day 1; 100 mg/day on day 2; 200 mg/day on day 3; 300 mg/day on day 4; and 400 mg/day on day 5). The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scores were assessed at days 1 (baseline), 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21. The Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale and Simpson-Angus Rating Scale (SARS) were assessed at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 and 21. RTG and CTG showed significant improvement on the scores of YMRS and CGI-S during the study without group differences. Both treatments were well tolerated without clinically significant differences in tolerability measures. Treatment was not limited by adverse events in the two groups. This study demonstrates the potential benefit and tolerability of rapid titration of quetiapine in the treatment of acutely ill bipolar disorder. This preliminary study proposes that rapid titration of quetipaine in combination with a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar mania is effective and tolerable in comparison with conventional titration. A controlled study with a larger cohort should be performed.

Polymorphisms of heat shock protein 70 gene (HSPA1A, HSPA1B and HSPA1L) and schizophrenia

The heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia with regards to neurodevelopment. An aberration in the HSP70 has been proposed in schizophrenia patients, suggesting that it is a candidate gene for schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the association between the three polymorphisms of HSP70-1 (HSPA1A), HSP70-hom (HSPA1L) and HSP70-2 (HSPA1B) and schizophrenia. One hundred and sixty-one patients with schizophrenia and 165 controls were enrolled in the study. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a restriction fragment length enzyme (RFLP) was used to genotype the HSPA1A, HSPA1L and HSPA1B polymorphisms. There were no significant differences in the allelic or genotype frequencies of the HSPA1A and HSPA1L polymorphisms between the schizophrenia patients and the controls, while there was a marginal difference in the genotype frequency of the HSPA1B polymorphisms, and a significant difference in the allelic frequency of the HSPA1B polymorphisms between the schizophrenia patients and the controls. There was no evidence of an association between the clinical variables and schizophrenia across the genotypes among the three HSP70 gene polymorphisms. These results suggest that a HSPA1B polymorphism might be related to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia at least in the Korean population. Therefore, larger studies from different ethnic groups should be performed to confirm these results.

Ghrelin precursor gene polymorphism and methamphetamine dependence in the Korean population

Ghrelin is a recently isolated brain-gut peptide that has growth hormone-releasing and appetite-inducing activities. Several recent studies have suggested that ghrelin plays a major role in the pathophysiology of drug-seeking behavior and anxiety. Therefore, we assessed the effect of the ghrelin precursor polymorphism on methamphetamine dependence in the Korean population. One hundred and eighteen patients with methamphetamine dependence, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria, and the 144 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Genotyping for the ghrelin precursor polymorphism was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-based technique. The genotypic and allelic distributions of the ghrelin precursor polymorphism in the patients with methamphetamine dependence were not significantly different from those of the control subjects. However, the Met72 carriers were associated with the emotional problems of methamphetamine dependence. The patients with the Met72 allele were more depressed and anxious than the homozygous patients with the wild Leu72 allele. The present study suggests that the ghrelin precursor polymorphism may not confer a susceptibility to the development of methamphetamine dependence in the Korean population. However, the Leu72Met polymorphism could have a potential role in the emotional problems that are associated with this disease.

Induction of interleukin-8 production via nuclear factor-kappaB activation in human intestinal epithelial cells infected with Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus, a Gram-negative estuarine bacterium, is a causative agent of food-borne diseases, such as life-threatening septicaemia and wound infection disease. V. vulnificus penetrating into the epithelial barrier stimulates an inflammatory response in the adjacent mucosa. Therefore, interaction between V. vulnificus and epithelial cells is important for understanding of both the immunology of mucosal surfaces and V. vulnificus. In this study, we investigated the effect and action mechanism of V. vulnificus infection on production of interleukin (IL)-8, a proinflammatory cytokine, in human intestinal epithelial INT-407 cells. V. vulnificus infection significantly induced IL-8 production in a time- and multiplicity of infection (MOI)-dependent manner, as determined by human IL-8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, V. vulnificus infection significantly increased IL-8 mRNA levels in INT-407 cells, indicating that the increased IL-8 production by V. vulnificus occurred at the transcriptional level. V. vulnificus infection also enhanced IL-8 gene promoter activity in INT-407 cells transiently transfected with IL-8 promoter constructs, but this effect was impaired in INT-407 cells transfected with IL-8 promoter constructs deleted or mutated of a kappaB site. V. vulnificus infection increased the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding activity to a kappaB site and the degradation of IkappaB-alpha protein in a time- and a MOI-dependent manner. Furthermore, BAY11-7082, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation, significantly reduced the IL-8 production, NF-kappaB binding activity and IkappaB-alpha degradation induced by V. vulnificus infection. Taken together, these results indicate clearly that V. vulnificus infection significantly induces IL-8 production in human intestinal epithelial cells via NF-kappaB activation.

Two missense mutations of EGR2 R359W and GJB1 V136A in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease family

During mutational analysis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) causative genes, we identified a CMT family with two missense mutations in different genes. A R359W mutation in EGR2 was shared by the affected daughter (proband) and her father. In addition, she had a V136A mutation in GJB1, which was determined to be a de novo mutation. The daughter with two different gene mutations showed more severe clinical, electrophysiological and histopathological phenotypes than her father who had only the EGR2 mutation. We suggest that these phenotypic differences between the proband and her father may have been caused by an altered effect of the genetic modifier in EGR2, or by the additive effect of the EGR2 and GJB1 mutations.

Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus: CT findings

Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus is a rare intraluminal benign tumor that is covered with normal esophageal mucosa, which consists of fibrous tissue, adipose tissue, and vascular structures. We report a case of a giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus in which feeding vessels were well visualized within the stalk of the mass at contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography.

Recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus after curative surgery: rates and patterns on imaging studies correlated with tumour location and pathological stage

Many factors have been related to recurrence after resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. These include age, gender, location and local stage of tumours, cell differentiation, lymph node metastasis and vascular involvement. The recurrence rates of squamous cell carcinoma after curative surgery are high (34-79%). Tumour recurrence is categorized as locoregional or distant. Lymph node recurrence and haematogenous metastasis to solid organs (commonly to the lung) are the usual patterns of recurrence. Awareness of recurrence patterns, particularly on imaging studies, is essential for the diagnosis of recurrent tumours on follow-up examinations.

No evidence for interaction between 5-HT2A receptor and serotonin transporter genes in schizophrenia

This study was to aim at investigating the potential interaction for the serotonin receptor gene (5-HTR) 2A and serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms in the development of schizophrenia, as well as the interaction of the two polymorphisms in relation with symptomatology, family history, age of onset and antipsychotic response. Genomic DNA analysis with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the genotyping. One hundred and eleven (111) patients with schizophrenia and 172 normal controls participated in the study. We did not find any association between the individual polymorphism and schizophrenia. The significant interaction effect between 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTR2A polymorphisms on the development of schizophrenia as well as on the antipsychotics response, family history, symptomatology and age at onset, was not found. However, subject with 5-HTR2A*TT genotype were found to have lower age of onset, compared to their counterparts (p=0.01). These results suggest that the interaction between 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTR2A polymorphisms may not contribute to susceptibility to schizophrenia as well as some clinical factors such as antipsychotic response, at least in the Korean population.

Long-term treatment of adjunctive quetiapine for bipolar mania

This study evaluated the overall effectiveness and tolerability of adjunctive quetiapine as a continuation therapy for the long-term treatment of bipolar mania. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study and received quetiapine add-on treatment in combination with their existing or new mood stabilizers. The clinical assessment was carried out using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impression-severity(CGI-s), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores-17 item, Simpson-Angus Rating Scale and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale at the baseline, 1, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. The YMRS and CGI-s decreased significantly from the baseline to the endpoint by 89.7% and 78.3%, respectively (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001). By the end of the study, 22 patients showed at least 50% improvement in the YMRS score. This study suggests that quetiapine can be used as an adjunct in the long-term treatment of bipolar mania.

Functional expression of a recombinant copper/zinc superoxide dismutase of filarial nematode, Brugia malayi

A gene encoding a copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ Zn-SOD) of a filarial nematode, Brugia malayi, has been isolated and the biochemical properties of a functionally expressed recombinant enzyme were investigated. The cloned complementary DNA contained a single open reading frame of 477 bp encoding 158 amino acids (aa), which conserved metal-binding residues as well as residues specific for Cu/Zn-SODs. Comparison of the deduced aa sequence of the enzyme with that of other helminthes species, including filarial worms, exhibited high degree of similarities (49-98%). Recombinant enzyme of 32 kDa had an isoelectric point of 6.6 and was shown to consist of 2 subunits linked by interchain disulfide bonds. Enzyme activity of the recombinant protein was inhibited by potassium cyanide and hydrogen peroxide but not by sodium azide. It showed a wide range of pH optima, i.e., 7.0-11.0 and was highly resistant to heat inactivation.

Naturalistic observation on the hepatic enzyme changes in patients treated with either risperidone or olanzapine alone

This retrospective study aimed to compare differences in hepatic enzyme elevation during treatment with either risperidone or olanzapine alone in patients with psychotic disorders. The charts were reviewed for six hundred and sixty-seven (667) inpatients with psychotic disorders who were treated with either risperidone (n=289) or olanzapine (n=145) alone at a university-affiliated hospital between 1998 and 2002. Frequencies of elevation greater than the reference level in any enzyme among aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphotase (ALP) were higher in the olanzapine-treated group (26.9%) than in the risperidone-treated group (14.2%) [odds ratio (OR)=2.225, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.362-3.638, P=0.002]. Frequencies of elevation greater than the reference level in ALT were higher in the olanzapine-treated group than in the risperidone-treated group (OR=2.182, P=0.004), as were frequencies with two-fold (OR=3.064, P=0.017) and three-fold (OR=2.883, P=0.039) elevation. Recovery time was longer in the olanzapine-treated group than in the risperidone-treated group (P=0.0059), as was latency time (P=0.0044). These results suggest that there are potential differences in antipsychotic-associated hepatic enzyme alterations between risperidone and olanzapine treatment. Controlled, prospective studies should be conducted to identify the risk factors associated with an alteration in hepatic enzymes related to treatment with risperidone and olanzapine.

Cerebral glucose metabolism in corticobasal degeneration comparison with progressive supranuclear palsy using statistical mapping analysis

This study measured the cerebral glucose metabolism in patients suffering from corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim was to determine if there is a different metabolic pattern using (18)F-labeled 2-deoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). The regional cerebral glucose metabolism was examined in 8 patients diagnosed clinically with CBD (mean age 69.6 +/- 7.8 years; male/female: 5/3), 8 patients with probable PSP (mean age 67.8 +/- 4.5 years; male/female: 4/4) and 22 healthy controls. The regional cerebral glucose metabolism between the three groups was compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) with a voxel-by-voxel approach (p < 0.001, 200-voxel level). Compared with the normal controls, asymmetry in the regional glucose metabolism was observed in the parietal, frontal and cingulate in the CBD patients. In the PSP patients, the glucose metabolism was lower in the orbitofrontal, middle frontal, cingulate, thalamus and mid-brain than their age matched normal controls. A comparison of the two patient groups demonstrated relative hypometabolism in the thalamus, the mid-brain in the PSP patients and the parietal lobe in CBD patients. These results suggest that when making a differential diagnosis of CBD and PSP, voxel-based analysis of the (18)F-FDG PET images using a SPM might be a useful tool in clinical examinations.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the copper/zinc and manganese superoxide dismutase genes from the human parasiteClonorchis sinensis

A copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) gene and a manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene of the human parasiteClonorchis sinensishave been cloned and their gene products functionally characterized. GenesCu/ZnSODandMnSODencode proteins of 16 kDa and 25·4 kDa, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two genes contained highly conserved residues required for activity and secondary structure formation of Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, respectively, and show up to 73·7% and 75·4% identities with their counterparts in other animals. The genomic DNA sequence analysis of Cu/ZnSOD gene revealed this as an intronless gene. Inhibitor studies with purified recombinant Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, both of which were functionally expressed inEscherichia coli, confirmed that they are copper/zinc and manganese-containing SOD, respectively. Immunoblots showed that bothC. sinensisCu/ZnSOD and MnSOD should be antigenic for humans, and both, especially theC. sinensisMnSOD, exhibit extensive cross-reactions with sera of patients infected by other trematodes or cestodes. RT-PCR and SOD activity staining of parasite lysates indicate that there are no significant differences in mRNA level or SOD activity for both species of SOD, indicating cytosolic Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD might play a comparatively important role in theC. sinensisantioxidant system.

A 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein gene of Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid induced by chemical and physiological stresses

To adapt to different environmental conditions between poikilothermic and homeothermic hosts, the plerocercoid of Spirometra erinacei (sparganum) might express a variety of biologically active molecules. We have identified a 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein of the sparganum (SpGrp78) by differential display of mRNA, employing RNAs each from sparganum adjusted at 9 degrees C and 37 degrees C. A full-length cDNA of 2148 bp encodes for a protein of 651 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 71 610 Da and shares molecular characteristics with heat-shock protein 70, including a putative ATP binding site, signal peptide cleavage site and endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SpGrp78 was mostly related to those of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus. Expression of SpGrp78 mRNA increased approximately 7-fold by inhibition of glycosylation by tunicamycin, 2-fold by temperature-shift from 9 degrees C to 37 degrees C and slightly by pH-shift to 4.0 or 5.5. These results suggested that induction of SpGrp78 mRNA is related to the functional role of SpGrp78 as a molecular chaperone when the parasite adapts to a new host environment.

Degradation of parathion and the reduction of acute toxicity in TiO2 photocatalysis

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion was done using a circulating TiO2/UV and TiO2/solar reactor. Indoor experimental results showed that, under the photocatalysis conditions, parathion was more effectively degraded than under the photolysis and TiO2 only conditions. Parathion (38 microM) was completely degraded under photocatalysis within 90 min, and more than 80% TOC decrease after 150 minutes. The main ionic byproducts during the photocatalysis were measured, and almost complete nitrogen recovery was achieved as mainly NO3- NO2-, and NH4+, and 80% of sulfur as recovered as SO4(2)-. Organic intermediates such as nitrophenol and methyl paraoxon were also identified during the photocatalysis of parathion, and these were further degraded after 90 minutes. Microtox bioassay using Vibrio fischeri was used in evaluating the toxicity of solutions treated by photocatalysis and photolysis of parathion. The results showed that the acute toxicity expressed as EC50 almost reduced after 90 min under the photocatalysis condition whereas only 40% reduction of toxicity as EC50 was achieved in photolysis condition. The outdoor results using a TiO2/solar system were similar to the TiO2 indoor system, indicating the possibility of applying TiO2/solar system for the treatment of parathion-contaminated water.

Molecular determination of the origin of acephalic cysticercus

Acephalic cysticercus (Ac), a rarely developed multilobulated and nonencysted form of larvalTaenia, causes hydrocephalus or adhesive arachnoiditis in the ventricles and subarachnoidal space that often lead to fatal outcome in affected patients. Ac has been proposed to originate fromT. soliumon the basis of morphological features, while no molecular data supporting the presumption have been available. In the present study, we investigated the immunological properties as well as molecular characteristics of Ac that was obtained surgically from 6 patients. Immunoblotting of the cyst fluid from Ac samples demonstrated the constitutive expression of aT. soliummetacestode (TsM) 10 kDa protein. Specific antibodies against the truncated 10 kDa protein, which appears to be species specific for TsM cysticercosis, were detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples of Ac patients. Nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) genes of Ac were almost identical to those ofT. soliumbut differed substantially from those of the otherTaeniaspecies. In phylogenetic analysis, Ac clustered withT. soliumin a well-supported clade. Our results strongly suggest that Ac may have originated fromT. solium.