Data for Y-chromosome haplotypes in Fang and Bubi populations from Bioko (Equatorial Guinea)

Haplotype frequencies for 16 Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (DYS456, DYS389I, DYS390, DYS389II, DYS458, DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS393, DYS391, DYS439, DYS635, DYS392, Y GATA H4, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS448) loci, included in the AmpFLSTR Yfiler PCR Amplification Kit, were analysed in 110 Fang and 133 Bubi individuals from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. The diversity was higher in Fang population, probably since they were originally from the mainland, with which they maintain tribal village and family links, and to which they travel frequently. Comparisons were made with previously published haplotype data on European and African populations, and significant differences were found between them.

Observation of WZ production

We report the first observation of the associated production of a W boson and a Z boson. This result is based on 1.1 fb;-1 of integrated luminosity from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We observe 16 WZ candidates passing our event selection with an expected background of 2.7+/-0.4 events. A fit to the missing transverse energy distribution indicates an excess of events compared to the background expectation corresponding to a significance equivalent to 6 standard deviations. The measured cross section is sigma(pp-->WZ)=5.0(-1.6)(+1.8) pb, consistent with the standard model expectation.

Measurement of the top-quark mass in all-hadronic decays in pp collisions at CDF II

We present a measurement of the top-quark mass Mtop in the all-hadronic decay channel tt-->W+bW-b-->q1q2bq3q4b. The analysis is performed using 310 pb-1 of sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV pp[over ] collisions collected with the CDF II detector using a multijet trigger. The mass measurement is based on an event-by-event likelihood which depends on both the sample purity and the value of the top-quark mass, using 90 possible jet-to-parton assignments in the six-jet final state. The joint likelihood of 290 selected events yields a value of Mtop=177.1+/-4.9(stat)+/-4.7(syst) GeV/c2.

Escitalopram et Citalopram : le rôle inattendu de l’énantiomère R

Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is composed of 2 enantiomers, R-citalopram and S-citalopram, 2 different non-superimposable mirror image forms of the same molecule. Separating these 2 enantiomers has enabled studying their individual properties. Citalopram's pharmacologic activity is centered on the S enantiomer's high affinity for the serotonin transporter which is twice as high as citalopram's and 30 to 40 times higher than R-citalopram. This leads to an inhibition of serotonin reuptake two times higher for escitalopram compared with citalopram and confirms that citalopram's pharmacologic activity is due to the S-enantiomer. Contrary to what might be expected, the effect of escitalopram (DCI of S-citalopram) is not superimposable on an equivalent dose of citalopram but is superior. Several hypotheses could explain this superiority. First, conversions of the S-enantiomer into the R-enantiomer may occur, but there is no reason why this phenomenon would happen more when both enantiomers are present than when escitalopram is alone. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies have shown that S or R configurations are stable in vivo. Second, a particular action of R-citalopram may influence the S-enantiomer's kinetic from intestinal absorption to blood-brain barrier. But concentrations of both enantiomers in the frontal cortex are the same. Therefore, R-citalopram does not interfere with escitalopram's kinetic. Finally, interactions may appear at the synaptic level. Results of experimentation, after in situ injection to the cortex level, confirm that an interaction between the 2 enantiomers takes place at that level. A direct negative interaction of R-citalopram on one or several effectors that create the antidepressive effect seems justified. This negative interaction has been studied in depth. Animal models have shown that the R-enantiomer has no antidepressive potential and when associated with escitalopram prohedonic effects disappear. Escitalopram is more powerful than citalopram in reducing anxiety but the presence of R-citalopram reduces the positive effects of escitalopram. We then may conclude that R-citalopram antagonizes the antidepressive effects of escitalopram and that its presence limits the therapeutic effect and reduces the speed of action of citalopram. The antagonism of escitalopram by R-citalopram was not expected and one hypothesis is that a direct interaction between the 2 enantiomers may occur on a particular site of the serotonin transporter. Results have shown that R-citalopram has a significant affinity only for the allosteric site of the transporter, which regulates the affinity of the ligand for the active site at the origin of serotonin reuptake inhibition. Unlike citalopram, escitalopram's pharmacologic action is not blocked by R-citalopram explaining its greater therapeutic efficacy and more rapid mode of action.

Search for anomalous production of multilepton events in pp collisions at sqrt s=1.96 TeV

We report a search for the anomalous production of events with multiple charged leptons in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 346 pb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The search is divided into three-lepton and four-or-more-lepton data samples. We observe six events in the three-lepton sample and zero events in the > or =4-lepton sample. Both numbers of events are consistent with standard model background expectations. Within the framework of an R-parity-violating supergravity model, the results are interpreted as mass limits on the lightest neutralino (chi[over](1)(0)) and chargino (chi[over](1+/-) particles. For one particular choice of model parameters, the limits are M(chi[over](1)(0)>110 GeV/c2 and M(chi[over](1+/-)>203 GeV/c2 at 95% confidence level; the variation of these mass limits with model parameters is presented.

Analysis of the quantum numbers J(PC) of the X(3872) particle

We present an analysis of angular distributions and correlations of the X(3872) particle in the exclusive decay mode X(3872)-->J/psipi+ pi- with J/psi-->mu+ mu-. We use 780 pb-1 of data from pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We derive constraints on spin, parity, and charge conjugation parity of the X(3872) particle by comparing measured angular distributions of the decay products with predictions for different J(PC) hypotheses. The assignments J(PC)=1++ and 2-+ are the only ones consistent with the data.

Measurement of the Lambda b0 lifetime in Lambda b0-->J/psi Lambda 0 in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

We report a measurement of the Lambda b0 lifetime in the exclusive decay Lambda b0-->J/psi Lambda 0 in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV using an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb-1 of data collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Using fully reconstructed decays, we measure tau(Lambda b0)=1.593(-0.078)(+0.083)(stat)+/-0.033(syst) ps. This is the single most precise measurement of tau(Lambda b0) and is 3.2sigma higher than the current world average.

Measurement of sigma Lambda b0/sigma B0 x B(Lambda b0-->Lambda c+pi-)/B(B0-->D+pi-) in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

We present the first observation of the baryon decay Lambda b0-->Lambda c+pi- followed by Lambda c+-->pK-pi+ in 106 pb-1 pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV in the CDF experiment. In order to reduce systematic error, the measured rate for Lambda b0 decay is normalized to the kinematically similar meson decay B0-->D+pi- followed by D+-->pi+K-pi+. We report the ratio of production cross sections (sigma) times the ratio of branching fractions (B) for the momentum region integrated above pT>6 GeV/c and pseudorapidity range |eta|<1.3: sigma(pp-->Lambda b0X)/sigma(pp-->B0X)xB(Lambda b0-->Lambda c+pi-)/B(B0-->D+pi-)=0.82+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.11(syst)+/-0.22[B(Lambda c+-->pK-pi+)].

Observation of exclusive electron-positron production in hadron-hadron collisions

We present the first observation of exclusive e(+)e(-) production in hadron-hadron collisions, using pp[over] collision data at (square root) s = 1.96 TeV taken by the run II Collider Detector at Fermilab, and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 532 pb(-1). We require the absence of any particle signatures in the detector except for an electron and a positron candidate, each with transverse energy E(T) > 5 GeV and pseudorapidity |eta| < 2. With these criteria, 16 events are observed compared to a background expectation of 1.9+/-0.3 events. These events are consistent in cross section and properties with the QED process pp[over] --> p + e(+)e(-) + p[over] through two-photon exchange. The measured cross section is 1.6(-0.3)(+0.5)(stat) +/- 0.3(syst) pb. This agrees with the theoretical prediction of 1.71+/-0.01 pb.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal complications in critically ill children with transpyloric enteral nutrition

OBJECTIVE

To study the risk factors for gastrointestinal complications related to enteral nutrition in critically ill children.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care unit.

SUBJECTS

Five hundred and twenty-six critically ill children who received transpyloric enteral nutrition(TEN).

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for gastrointestinal complications.

RESULTS

Sixty six patients (11.5%) presented gastrointestinal complications, 33 (6.2%) abdominal distension and/or excessive gastric residue, 34 (6.4%) diarrhea, one gastrointestinal bleeding, three necrotizing enterocolitis and one duodenal perforation. Enteral nutrition was definitively suspended because of gastrointestinal complications in 11 (2.1%) patients. Fifty patients (9.5%) died. Gastrointestinal complications were more frequent in the patients who died. Death was related to complications of the nutrition in only one patient. The frequency of gastrointestinal complications was significantly higher in children with shock, acute renal failure, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia and in those receiving dopamine, epinephrine and vecuronium. The stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the most important factors associated with gastrointestinal complications were shock, epinephrine at a rate higher than 0.3 microg/kg/min and hypophosphatemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The tolerance of TEN in critically ill children is good, although the incidence of gastrointestinal complications is higher in patients with shock, acute renal failure, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and those receiving epinephrine, dopamine, and vecuronium.

Search for V+A current in top-quark decays in pp collisions at sqrts=1.96 TeV

We report an upper limit on the fraction of V+A current, fV+A, in top-quark decays, using approximately 700 pb-1 of pp[over ] collisions at sqrts=1.96 TeV acquired by the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab. For the decay t-->Wb-->lnub (where l=e or micro), the invariant mass of the charged lepton and the bottom quark jet is sensitive to the polarization of the W boson. We determine fV+A=-0.06+/-0.25 given a top-quark mass of 175 GeV/c2. We set an upper limit on fV+A of 0.29 at the 95% confidence level, an improvement by a factor of 2 on the previous best direct limit.

Measurement of the ratios of branching fractions B(B0s --> Ds- pi+ pi+ pi-)/B(B0-->D- pi+ pi+ pi-) and B(B0s --> Ds- pi+)/B(B0-->D- pi+)

Using 355 pb;{-1} of data collected by the CDF II detector in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron, we study the fully reconstructed hadronic decays B_{(s)};{0}-->D_{(s)};{-}pi;{+} and B_{(s)};{0}-->D_{(s)};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-}. We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})/B(B;{0}-->D;{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})=1.05+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.22(syst). We also update our measurement of B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+})/B(B;{0}-->D;{-}pi;{+}) to 1.13+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.23(syst), improving the statistical uncertainty by more than a factor of 2. We find B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+})=[3.8+/-0.3(stat)+/-1.3(syst)]x10;{-3} and B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})=[8.4+/-0.8(stat)+/-3.2(syst)]x10;{-3}.

Allosteric modulation of the effect of escitalopram, paroxetine and fluoxetine: in-vitro and in-vivo studies

Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the effect of citalopram on serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibition and its antidepressant activity resides in the S-enantiomer. In addition, using a variety of in-vivo and in-vitro paradigms, it was shown that R-citalopram counteracts the effect of escitalopram. This effect was suggested to occur via an allosteric modulation at the level of the 5-HT transporter. Using in-vitro binding assays at membranes from COS-1 cells expressing the human 5-HT transporter (hSERT) and in-vivo electrophysiological and microdialysis techniques in rats, the present study was directed at determining whether R-citalopram modifies the action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) known to act on allosteric sites namely escitalopram, and to a lesser extent paroxetine, compared to fluoxetine, which has no affinity for these sites. In-vitro binding studies showed that R-citalopram attenuated the association rates of escitalopram and paroxetine to the 5-HT transporter, but had no effect on the association rates of fluoxetine, venlafaxine or sertraline. In the rat dorsal raphe nucleus, R-citalopram (250 microg/kg i.v.) blocked the suppressant effect on neuronal firing activity of both escitalopram (100 microg/kg i.v.) and paroxetine (500 microg/kg i.v.), but not fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.v.). Interestingly, administration of R-citalopram (8 mg/kg i.p.) attenuated the increase of extracellular levels of 5-HT ([5-HT]ext) in the ventral hippocampus induced by both escitalopram (0.28 microM) and paroxetine (0.75 microM), but not fluoxetine (10 microM). In conclusion, the present in-vitro and in-vivo studies show that R-citalopram counteracts the activity of escitalopram and paroxetine, but not fluoxetine, by acting at the allosteric binding site of the 5-HT transporter, either located in the dorsal raphe nucleus or post-synaptically in the ventral hippocampus. This conclusion is strengthened by the observation that the inhibitory effect of fluoxetine, which has no stabilizing effect on the radioligand/hSERT complex, was not blocked by co-administration of R-citalopram.

Depression and poor sleep: the effect of monoaminergic antidepressants in a pre-clinical model in rats

The effects of five antidepressants (escitalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine, and reboxetine) on the sleep architecture were investigated in freely moving rats in the light phase of a 12:12 h light:dark cycle following a single i.p. dose of antidepressant. Overall, paroxetine and escitalopram exhibited the least sleep disruptive profiles, whereas duloxetine, venlafaxine, and reboxetine increased the time spent awake and suppressed paradoxical sleep. Analysis of the EEG at 1 h intervals revealed only subtle differences from the overall picture. The effect of venlafaxine on disruption of sleep architecture could not be readily explained by its in vitro serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitory potencies. In vivo microdialysis experiments in the ventral hippocampus of freely moving rats revealed that venlafaxine affected the 5-HT and NA systems equally at the doses tested. Duloxetine (7.7 mg/kg) induced maximal blockade of the 5-HT transporter and duloxetine 7.7 mg/kg also modulated the noradrenaline system. Thus, in this animal model, the enhancement of noradrenergic activity is more disruptive on the sleep architecture than enhancement of serotonergic activity.

Observation of Bs(0)-Bs(0) oscillations

We report the observation of Bs(0)-Bs(0) oscillations from a time-dependent measurement of the Bs(0)-Bs(0) oscillation frequency Deltams. Using a data sample of 1 fb(-1) of pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron, we find signals of 5600 fully reconstructed hadronic Bs decays, 3100 partially reconstructed hadronic Bs decays, and 61,500 partially reconstructed semileptonic Bs decays. We measure the probability as a function of proper decay time that the Bs decays with the same, or opposite, flavor as the flavor at production, and we find a signal for Bs(0)-Bs(0) oscillations. The probability that random fluctuations could produce a comparable signal is 8 x 10(-8), which exceeds 5sigma significance. We measure Deltams=17.77 +/- 0.10(stat) +/- 0.07(syst) ps(-1) and extract /V(td)/V(ts)/=0.2060+/-0.0007(Deltams)(-0.0060)(+0.008)(Deltamd+theor).

The pharmacology of citalopram enantiomers: the antagonism by R-citalopram on the effect of S-citalopram

Recent results on the in vivo and in vitro pharmacology of escitalopram are summarised. The exact molecular mechanism by which R-citalopram inhibits the effect of S-citalopram on the serotonin transporter remains to be elucidated. Preliminary evidence indicates an effect of R-citalopram on the association of escitalopram with the high affinity primary site, and on its dissociation from the serotonin transporter, via an allosteric mechanism. Escitalopram can be considered as an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This serotonin dual action in binding to two sites on the serotonin transporter (both the primary site and the allosteric site) is hypothesised to be responsible for a longer binding to, and therefore greater inhibition of the serotonin transporter by escitalopram.

Importancia de los componentes del síndrome metabólico en los valores de proteína C reactiva

OBJECTIVE

C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess whether the metabolic syndrome (MS) and parameters involved in its diagnosis might influence serum CRP values.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Cross-sectional study in outpatients of a HTA and Vascular Risk clinic. MS was diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Educational Program ATP-III guidelines, and hs-CRP was analyzed by nephelometry.

RESULTS

A total of 1,969 patients (47% male) were evaluated and distributed into four groups: 1) 1,220 non-diabetics without MS; 2) 384 non-diabetics with MS; 3) 153 diabetics without MS, and 4) 212 diabetics with MS. Patients with MS had higher CRP in both non-diabetic 3.0 (1.7-4.4) mg/l vs. 1.7 (0.9-3.4) mg/l; p=0.001 (MW), and diabetic patients: 2.8 (1.5-4.6) mg/l vs. 2.2 (0.9-4.3) mg/l; p=0.01 (MW). Diabetic patients without MS had CRP values not different to non-diabetic without MS. CRP values increased in relation to the number of parameters included in the MS from 1.7 (2.2) mg/l, in patients without any parameters, to 4.2 (2.8) mg/l in patients who fulfilled five parameters (p=0.001) (KW). In multiple regression analysis abdominal obesity (p=0.001), TG (p=0.001) and glucose (p=0.02) were associated with CRP levels after correcting for other factors. Abdominal obesity (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.5-2.4; p=0.001) and TG (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 -1.7; p=0.003), but not glucose were independent factors related to the presence of high levels of CRP (>3 mg/l) in a logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic and non-diabetic patients with MS have high CRP levels. Of the five components of MS, the most closely related to CRP is abdominal obesity.

Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from tissues of mature oak trees: true-to-type conformity of plantlets by RAPD analysis

Somatic embryogenesis was induced in expanding leaf explants excised from epicormic shoots forced from branch segments taken at four different times of year from a mature oak (Quercus robur L.). Branch segments 2-4 cm in diameter produced most shoots when collected in March. Somatic embryos were induced on explants derived from branches of all collection dates, although collection in November seemed to afford the best results. Germination and conversion ability of embryos of embryogenic lines derived from six oak trees depended heavily on genotype, conversion rates ranging from 0 to 70%. RAPD analyses found no evidence of genetic variation either within or between the embryogenic lines established from three of these trees, or between these lines and the trees of origin, or between somatic embryo derived plantlets and the trees of origin. The embryogenic system used in this study appears to be suitable for true-to-type clonal propagation of mature oak genotypes.

A pilot clinical study of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme

Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids inhibit tumour growth and angiogenesis in animal models, so their potential application as antitumoral drugs has been suggested. However, the antitumoral effect of cannabinoids has never been tested in humans. Here we report the first clinical study aimed at assessing cannabinoid antitumoral action, specifically a pilot phase I trial in which nine patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme were administered THC intratumoraly. The patients had previously failed standard therapy (surgery and radiotherapy) and had clear evidence of tumour progression. The primary end point of the study was to determine the safety of intracranial THC administration. We also evaluated THC action on the length of survival and various tumour-cell parameters. A dose escalation regimen for THC administration was assessed. Cannabinoid delivery was safe and could be achieved without overt psychoactive effects. Median survival of the cohort from the beginning of cannabinoid administration was 24 weeks (95% confidence interval: 15–33). Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibited tumour-cell proliferation in vitro and decreased tumour-cell Ki67 immunostaining when administered to two patients. The fair safety profile of THC, together with its possible antiproliferative action on tumour cells reported here and in other studies, may set the basis for future trials aimed at evaluating the potential antitumoral activity of cannabinoids.

Monitorization of primary therapy (PT) by additional imaging methods in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC)

10580

Introduction: The response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to Primary therapy (PT) may be monitored clinically and by mammography (MG). Magnetic resonance (MR) and 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography (SMM) are increasingly being used. The aim of this study was to determine whether MG, MR and SMM are accurate indicators of tumour response to PT and whether they are predictors of histological response. Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study was approved at our institution and 52 patients( p) with core biopsy diagnostic of LABC and written consent were enrolled (mean age 52 years, SD 13) All p had clinical, MG, MR, SM assessment pre- and post- PT. Primary chemotherapy based on anthracyclines was administered as follows: 19 p FEC, 17 p AC-Docetaxel, 8 p Gemcitabine- Doxorubicine- Paclitaxel, 1 p FEC- Docetaxel and 1 p Carboplatin- VP16. 6 p were treated with hormone-therapy. RECIST criteria were considered for clinical response assessment and the same criteria was adapted for imaging and pathologic response. Results: After PT 33 tumours were considered not suitable for breast-conserving surgery. Based on histopathological findings, 10 (19%) lesions showed complete pathologic response, 30 (58%) partial response, 12 (23%) stabilization. No progression was detected. Clinical assessment of tumour complete response agreed with pathology in 40 of 52 tumours (78%), and with MG in 39 (78%). Correlation between MG and pathological findings was observed in 42 p (84%). Correlation between MR and pathological findings was observed in 42 p (82%). Correlation between SMM and pathological findings was observed in 31 p (66%). Among patients with complete pathologic remission, 9 of ten patients achieve a complete response by MR and SMM. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results don’t show that MR and SMM add any benefit to the diagnostic arsenal for predicting histopathological complete response to PT. However these new diagnostic methods should be considered in selected cases.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.