Accumulation of Toxic Arsenic by Cherry Radish Tuber (Raphanus sativus var. sativus Pers.) and Its Physiological, Metabolic and Anatomical Stress Responses

In a pot experiment, cherry radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus Pers. 'Viola') was cultivated under two levels of As soil contamination-20 and 100 mg/kg. The increasing As content in tubers with increasing soil contamination led to changes in free amino acids (AAs) and phytohormone metabolism and antioxidative metabolites. Changes were mainly observed under conditions of high As contamination (As100). The content of indole-3-acetic acid in tubers varied under different levels of As stress, but As100 contamination led to an increase in its bacterial precursor indole-3-acetamide. A decrease in cis-zeatin-9-riboside-5'-monophosphate content and an increase in jasmonic acid content were found in this treatment. The free AA content in tubers was also reduced. The main free AAs were determined to be transport AAs (glutamate-Glu, aspartate, glutamine-Gln, asparagine) with the main portion being Gln. The Glu/Gln ratio-a significant indicator of primary N assimilation in plants-decreased under the As100 treatment condition. A decrease in antioxidative metabolite content-namely that of ascorbic acid and anthocyanins-was observed in this experiment. A decline in anthocyanin content is related to a decrease in aromatic AA content which is crucial for secondary metabolite production. The changes in tubers caused by As contamination were reflected in anatomical changes in the radish tubers and roots.

Biochar in manure can suppress water stress of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and increase sucrose content in tubers

Increased soil drought events threaten the yields of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and other staples of arable production in central Europe. In this study we evaluated soil moisture and nutrients as impacted by a two and five % (wt) addition of biochar, manure and their blend to a loamy-sand Regosol. Cyclical soil drought was achieved by the controlled reduction of watering by 75% in pot experiments. Ongoing soil moisture and nutrient measurements were taken, and physiological parameters of sugar beet plants were analysed three weeks after the induced drought. At the end of the experiment (16 weeks) plants were harvested and their mass assessed, as well as their nutrient, pigment and sugar contents. In contrast to the addition of manure, soil volumetric water contents were two to three times greater after biochar amendment, compared to the control soil. Porewater analysis revealed that nutrient leaching (e.g., NO₃^-, K⁺) from manure addition to soil was reduced when biochar was blended in (by ≤86% compared to manure alone). Crop analysis showed that leaf gas exchanges were moderated during drought following soil amendment, and leaf and tuber yields were increased furthest when combined biochar-manure blends were applied (> 2-times compared to the control). Perhaps most importantly, the advantageous soil conditions induced by the combined biochar and manure addition also resulted in significantly increased sugar contents in plants (2.4-times) pointing to immediate practical applications of these results in the field.

Salinity Stress Affects Photosynthesis, Malondialdehyde Formation, and Proline Content in Portulaca oleracea L

In this investigation, the effect of salt stress on Portulaca oleracea L. was monitored at salinity levels of 100 and 300 mM NaCl. At a concentration of 100 mM NaCl there was a decrease in stomatal conductance (gs) simultaneously with an increase in CO₂ assimilation (A) at the beginning of salt exposure (day 3). However, the leaf water potential (ψ_w), the substomatal concentration of CO₂ (Ci), the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and the proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content remained unchanged. Exposure to 300 mM NaCl caused a decrease in gs from day 3 and a decrease in water potential, CO₂ assimilation, and Fv/Fm from day 9. There was a large increase in proline content and a significantly higher MDA concentration on days 6 and 9 of salt stress compared to the control group. After 22 days of exposure to 300 mM NaCl, there was a transition from the C4 cycle to crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), manifested by a rapid increase in substomatal CO₂ concentration and negative CO₂ assimilation values. These results document the tolerance of P. oleracea to a lower level of salt stress and the possibility of its use in saline localities.

Demographics and prevalence of positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test in renal transplant candidates

BACKGROUND

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening prior to solid organ transplantation is standard of care. QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test is the preferred diagnostic test for renal transplant candidates (RTC). QFT-GIT reversions and the potential delay of living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) because of QFT-GIT positivity have not been examined previously in RTC.

METHODS

We evaluated the prevalence of positive QFT-GIT in RTC from January 1 through December 31, 2011. In addition, we examined the demographic and renal disease data differences between QFT-GIT-positive and -negative patients, changes in QFT-GIT results, and positive QFT-GIT results reverting to negative. Lastly, we evaluated if QFT-GIT-positive patients were less likely to undergo LDKT within 6 months of QFT-GIT testing.

RESULTS

In total, 722 RTC were analyzed, 16% of whom had positive QFT-GIT. The QFT-GIT-positive patients were more likely to be older and foreign-born, P < 0.0001. Haitians had the highest prevalence. Of the 119 QFT-GIT-positive patients, 25% had low/intermediate-positive results and were more likely to revert to negative, compared with patients with high-positive QFT-GIT results (50% vs. 0%, P = 0.01). A trend was seen toward fewer QFT-GIT-positive patients undergoing LDKT, compared with QFT-GIT-negative patients (0% vs. 3%, P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our high prevalence was likely a result of the high number of foreign-born RTC. Half of our small subset of low/intermediate-positive QFT-GIT patients reverted to negative. QFT-GIT-positive patients were more likely to have their LDKT delayed.

Über Stöße langsamer negativer Ionen mit Ladungsübertragung

Mit Hilfe eines Massenspektrometers wurden Stoßprozesse langsamer negativer Ionen mit anderen Gasmolekülen beobachtet, bei denen es zu einer Ladungsübertragung kam. Dabei führten Stöße von CS-. Ionen mit SO2-Molekülen zu SO2 - und von NH2 - mit SO2- bzw. CS2-Molekülen zu SO2 und zu CS2 -. Aus Abschätzungen über die verschiedenen Elektronenaffinitäten kann EA (SO) zu etwa 1 eV ermittelt werden; EA (SO2) ist dann nur höchstens 0,1 eV größer.

[Diagnostic utility of capsule endoscopy in occult gastrointestinal bleeding]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The video-capsule endoscopy (CE) of the small intestine is a novel innovative procedure for outpatient use that can detect even small lesions of the mucosa of the small intestine. Aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CE in a clinical routine setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2001 and October 2002 we investigated 42 patients with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding by CE. In all patients, the previous upper and lower endoscopy work-up was normal. In some cases additional procedures such as bloodpool scintigraphy, angiography, small-bowel enteroclysis or push-enteroscopy were performed.

RESULTS

CE detected relevant pathological findings in 23 out of 42 Patients (55 %). The majority of findings in the CE consisted of angiodysplasia (n = 16), ulcer and haemorrhagical erosions (n = 10), one Ulcus Dieulafoy and additional polyps of the small intestine (n = 2). In 4 cases an inflammatory small-bowel disease was detected. These findings could be confirmed by Re-endoscopy. The information provided was helpful to direct further diagnostic and treatment options. In 14 cases (33 %) CE-findings steered additional diagnostic and therapeutic steps. We conclude that CE is safe and has a high diagnostic yield.

CONCLUSION

M2A video CE is likely to become an integral part of the algorithm of diagnostic of occult gastrointestinal bleeding after exclusion of other causes of anemia and negative upper and lower endoscopy work-up.

Endoscopically assisted video capsule endoscopy of the small bowel in patients with functional gastric outlet obstruction

Since the introduction in 2001 of M2A video capsule imaging of the small bowel in humans, this technique has been used increasingly in patients with disorders of the small bowel. In particular the assessment of small obscure gastrointestinal bleeding sources and the detection of shallow inflammatory lesions in the small bowel, have been greatly facilitated by this novel imaging procedure. We report two cases of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, in whom normal passage of the capsule through the antroduodenal junction was inhibited. This was because of delayed gastric emptying in both patients, which was presumably caused by functional impairment of pyloric motility. To facilitate capsule transport into the small bowel, after swallowing the capsule each patient underwent unsedated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during which the capsule was grasped with a polypectomy snare, directly transported through the pylorus, and finally released upon arrival in the second portion of the duodenum. Capsule recordings revealed the source of bleeding in both patients and their medical or surgical treatment was subsequently escalated. Capsule imaging of the small bowel facilitated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is safe, and can be applied when patients have functional disorders of pyloric motility.

Pulmonary eosinophilia in a murine model of allergic inflammation is attenuated by small molecule alpha4beta1 antagonists

Inhibition of alpha4beta1/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) interactions have therapeutic potential in treating allergic airway disease because of the importance of these adhesion molecules in the trafficking of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. We examined several small molecule inhibitors of alpha4beta1/VCAM-1 interactions with in vitro potencies (IC(50) values) ranging from 0.52 nM (CP-664511; 3-[3-(1-[2-[3-methoxy-4-(3-O-tolyl-ureido)phenyl]-acetylamino]-3-methyl-butyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-propionic acid) to 38.5 nM (CP-609643; 3-[3-methyl-1-[2-[4-(3-O-tolyl-ureido)-phenyl]-acetylamino]-butyl)-isoxazol-5-yl]-propionic acid). The same compounds were evaluated in vivo using a murine model of ovalbumin-induced pulmonary eosinophilia. In this model, systemic administration of antibodies against alpha4 reduced bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophilia approximately 60%. Small molecule alpha4beta1 antagonists were administered by intratracheal instillation and demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of BAL eosinophil numbers and achieved a maximum inhibition of approximately 60%. In general, the rank order of potency for these compounds in vitro was consistent with that observed in vivo, which confirms that their efficacy is likely via blockade of alpha4beta1/VCAM-1 interactions. The most potent compound, CP-664511, also inhibited BAL eosinophilia following s.c. administration (1-10 mg/kg, s.c.). These data support the utility of small molecule alpha4beta1 antagonists in the treatment of relevant diseases, such as asthma.

Surgical stapling technique for radical hysterectomy: survival, recurrence, and late complications

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a long-term follow-up of the surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy to determine survival, recurrence, and late complications.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive eligible patients treated with the surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy were prospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 3.2 h. Median blood loss was 500 ml. There was an 18% acute postoperative complication rate and a 10% long-term complication rate. There was a 6% recurrence rate and a 92% disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

The surgical stapling technique of radical hysterectomy results in acceptable survival, recurrence, and complication rates, which appear similar to those of the traditional type of radical hysterectomy, while operative time and blood loss appear to be reduced.

Prospective trial of early feeding and bowel stimulation after radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to decrease hospital stay we performed a prospective trial of aggressive bowel stimulation and early postoperative feeding after radical hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective trial of 20 consecutive patients undergoing class 3 radical hysterectomy, feeding of a clear liquid diet and bowel stimulation with oral 66% sodium phosphate solution (Fleet Phospho-Soda) were instituted on postoperative day 1. Patients were discharged after passage of flatus or stool.

RESULTS

Median time to discharge was 3.5 days. No patient had emesis, ileus, or bowel obstruction. The decrease in hospital stay with respect to those in our previous trial with traditional postoperative feeding and our original study on postoperative bowel stimulation was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive bowel stimulation with Fleet Phospho-Soda and early feeding after radical hysterectomy resulted in early return of bowel function and early discharge without significant intestinal complication.

Biomarker studies in reversed Barrett's esophagus

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to use biomarkers to assess for cancer risk in Barrett's esophagus patients with either squamous islands or complete reversal of their intestinal metaplasia to squamous epithelium.

METHODS

The biomarkers included proliferation characteristic using Ki-67, p53 abnormalities using immunohistochemical methods with two antibodies, DO-1 and DO-7, and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity.

RESULTS

Eleven patients had complete reversal produced by a combination of acid suppression and thermal injury (multipolar electrocoagulation). Ki-67 staining was indistinguishable from that of normal squamous esophageal epithelium, i.e., basal layer staining only. All 11 cases were negative for p53. ODC activity was low and in the range for normal squamous epithelium. Fourteen patients had squamous islands (partial reversal) after prolonged proton pump inhibitor therapy. Multilayer Ki-67 staining occurred in nine cases (64%), and six (43%) had areas of positive p53 staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial biomarker studies suggest that completely reversed squamous epithelium is biologically similar to normal squamous epithelium and of low cancer risk. In contrast, partial reversal, manifest as squamous islands, is accompanied by biomarker abnormalities.

Gel matrix vehicles for growth factor application in nerve gap injuries repaired with tubes: a comparison of biomatrix, collagen, and methylcellulose

The repair of nerve gap injuries with tubular nerve guides has been used extensively as an in vivo test model in identifying substances which may enhance nerve regeneration. The model has also been used clinical nerve repair. The objective of this study was to compare three different gel matrix-forming materials as potential vehicles for growth factors in this system. The vehicles included a laminin containing extracellular matrix preparation (Biomatrix), collagen, and a 2% methylcellulose gel. The growth factor test substance consisted of a combination of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). An 8-mm gap in rat sciatic nerve was repaired with a silicone tube containing each of the vehicles alone or with a combination of each vehicle plus PDGF-BB and IGF-I. At 4 weeks after injury, the application of the growth factor combination significantly stimulated axonal regeneration when applied in methylcellulose or collagen, but not in Biomatrix. A similar trend was present between the vehicle control groups. By 8 weeks after injury, nerves repaired with methylcellulose as a vehicle had significantly greater conduction velocity than either collagen or Biomatrix. It was concluded that a 2% methylcellulose gel was the best of the three matrices tested, both in its effects on nerve regeneration and flexibility of formulation.

Special considerations concerning regulatory requirements and drug development for peptides and biotech products in the EU

The marketing authorization for a new medicinal product is based on the scientific assessment of its quality, safety and efficacy. The marketing authorization application (MAA) which covers all the relevant documentation can be filed in the EU via different application procedures. For peptides and biological products special issues have to be taken into consideration during drug development. Due to special production procedures and the complexity of the active substance itself, peptides and biotech products are subject to specific regulatory requirements. This leads to the necessity to discuss the development program of a new peptide or biotech product with the health authorities on a case by case basis. This article will focus on the special regulatory requirements for peptides and biotech products including the registration procedures as well as technical, preclinical and clinical issues.

Confirmed allergic reactions to amide local anesthetics

Allergic reactions to ester local anesthetics are not uncommon. It is generally accepted that similar reactions to the newer amides do not occur. This assumption should be reconsidered. A confirmed case of true amide allergy is reported.

A Drosophila male accessory gland protein that is a member of the serpin superfamily of proteinase inhibitors is transferred to females during mating

Accessory gland peptide 76A, (Acp76A), belongs to the serpin superfamily of proteins (serine protease inhibitors). Acp76A is a secreted protein synthesized only in the Drosophila melanogaster adult male accessory gland. Accumulation of the protein in males is first detected with polyclonal antibodies at 1 day after eclosion. The level of the protein in virgin males reaches a peak 5-8 days post-eclosion, and remains constant for at least 20 days. Upon mating the amount of Acp76A in males drops dramatically, but recovers by 24 h after mating. Immediately after mating the Acp76A is found in the female uterus. By 6 h after mating the amount of Acp76A detected in females is drastically reduced.

[Success and quality control in prolapse and stress incontinence operations--comparative use of urodynamics and transrectal endosonography]

We evaluated the significance of urodynamic parameters versus transrectal ultrasound with regard to postoperative outcome-control after operation for procedentia and urinary stress incontinence. We studied 30 continent women and 84 women with purely stress induced urinary incontinence. All had a pre- and postoperative urodynamic testing including urethral profilometry and cystometry, paralleled by a transrectal ultrasound examination. From the urodynamic parameters only the transmission ratio is suitable to judge the surgical outcome, although it is less correlative to the patient's complaints (p = 0.033) than the bladder neck mobility (p < 0.0001, Tab. 5). Within the rather short time of follow-up, each of the operation-techniques was able to improve the bladder neck mobility significantly. Nevertheless, anterior colporrhaphia is not suitable for incontinence-surgery (Fig. 2/Tab. 5). Concerning operative results, transrectal endosonography was found to be an adequate or even superior method as compared to urodynamic studies, because it can likewise demonstrate the function of the bladder neck, but furthermore can show the morphologic aspects of bladder, urethra and pelvic floor. As a result, for the first time, this minimal invasive method offers quality control for the individual surgeon as well as for long-term follow-up studies after operation for procedentia and stress induced urinary incontinence without using much time or causing great discomfort to the patient.

Rehabilitation of swallowing and communication following glossectomy

Patients who have had surgical removal of part or all of the tongue are left with varying degrees of swallowing and speech deficiencies. The extent of resection, mobility of the residual tongue segment, and adequacy of the remaining structures determine the amount and type of deficiency. While communicative impairment and dysphagia commonly are seen in a rehabilitation setting, the problems of the glossectomy patient often are unique. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the oral and pharyngeal musculature, discusses the speech and swallowing of the glossectomy patient, and presents nursing considerations for successful rehabilitation.

Length polymorphism in rDNA indicates somatic alterations in the genome of Triturus vulgaris

We have analyzed the EcoRI restriction pattern of ribosomal genes (rDNA) isolated from several organs of single individuals of the newt Triturus vulgaris by Southern blotting and hybridization with corresponding Xenopus probes (r11 and r12). Using length polymorphism of rDNA spacers as a molecular marker, it became evident that in individual newts the pattern of ribosomal genes is not always constant but varies between different tissues of the same animal suggesting the occurrence of genome alterations during ontogenesis.

Are there insertions in the ribosomal DNA of vertebrates?

We have analysed the Eco RI restriction pattern of rDNA of the newt Triturus vulgaris and of some other amphibian species by Southern blotting and hybridization with nick-translated Xenopus rDNA prepared from the recombinant plasmids pXlr11 and pXlr12 (21). After hybridization with r11, the 28S coding fragments become visible in two bands, a prominent one of 5.3 kb and a weak band of 5.9 kb representing about 8% of the 28S genes. The evidence obtained so far by additional digestions with Bam HI and Bgl II indicates that in this species and in Triturus helveticus the coding regions of the 5.9 kb fragments are interrupted by an insertion 0.6 kb in length located in a 1.6 kb Bgl II fragment at the 3' end of the Eco RI fragment, which we believe to be the first described in a vertebrate.

All-or-nothing character of DNA degradation in bacteria after ionizing radiation

The response of single cells of Escherichia coli B(s-11) and 15JG151 to radiation-induced DNA degradation has been observed by autoradiography. For both cells it is concluded that the event which causes DNA degradation is of an all-or-nothing character. The unit which suffers degradation is not the whole cell, but each cell has between two and four such units. The results suggest that there is some resynthesis of degraded DNA. Evidence that this occurs is shown by examining the degradation of mass cultures of 15TAU/t3 and t7 below and above the permissive temperature for DNA synthesis. The results on the all-or-nothing character are in agreement with previous studies made by completely different techniques.

Negative Ionen durch Elektronenresonanzeinfang in PH3, AsH3 und SiH4

Es wurde die Entstehung stabiler negativer Ionen durch Elektronenresonanzeinfangprozesse in den Gasen PH3 , AsH3 und SiH4 mit einem Massenspektrometer untersucht. Bei Zusatz von CS2 und SO2 in der Ionenquelle wurden Ladungsübertragungsprozesse mit der Bildung von CS2-- und SO2--Ionen beobachtet.