Effects of dietary active soybean trypsin inhibitors on pancreatic weights, histology and expression of STAT3 and receptors for androgen and estrogen in different tissues of rats

Our previous study showed that soy milks could contain high levels of active soybean trypsin inhibitors (SBTI) if they were not properly processed. This study investigated the effects of consuming active SBTI on pancreatic weights, histology, trypsinogen production and expression of STAT3, receptors for androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) in pancreas, liver and uterus of rats. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (8 females and 8 males/group) and fed diets containing either 20% casein protein (Casein) or 20% soy protein (SP) in the presence of high (1.42 BAEE unit/µg, SP + SBTI) or low (0.2 BAEE unit/µg, SP-SBTI) levels of active SBTI for 8 weeks. Ingestion of SP + SBTI diet markedly increased pancreatic weights and trypsinogen content (p < 0.01), and caused acinar cell hypertrophy, and reduced pancreatic STAT3, p-STAT3, AR and ERβ content, and increased uterine ERα and ERβ compared to the Casein or SP-SBTI diets (p < 0.05). The two SP-containing diets lowered hepatic STAT3, p-STAT3, and pancreatic ERα, and increased hepatic ERα and ERβ content in the female rats compared to the Casein diet (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated for the first time that consumption of high level of active SBTI not only increased pancreatic weights and acinar cell secretions, but also attenuated the expression of pancreatic STAT3, p-STAT3, AR, and ERβ proteins in both sexes and increased uterine ERα and ERβ content, and that dietary soy protein affected hepatic STAT3, p-STAT3, ERα and ERβ in a gender-dependent manner.

The service architecture of the TeraGyroid experiment

We describe the service architecture of the successful TeraGyroid experiment. In particular we discuss the use of the open Grid service infrastructure (OGSI) to build the services used during the experiment and illustrate the problems we encountered.

Force-feedback in Web-based surgical simulators

There is a growing requirement in the field of surgical training to allow trainees to practice procedures in a way that does not place patients in any risk. Computer based simulators allow students to gain experience and develop three-dimensional awareness in a safe and controlled environment. Typically systems that have been developed to perform this task are, due to their specialist nature, expensive to buy. With the increasing availability of Force-Feedback devices for the gaming market, is there now a cost-effective alternative for surgical simulations? In this paper we investigate the possibility of using such a device as a haptic input tool for surgical simulations.

Web-based surgical educational tools

This paper describes work being undertaken as part of the WebSET (Web-based Standard Educational Tools) project. The project is producing a standardised suite of interactive three-dimensional educational tools, delivered across the WWW. The major focus will be the use of open technology and standards, and the production of learning components that can be used as building blocks for further development in a wide range of application areas. Two learning disciplines have been selected for the development of the WebSET tools: surgical training, and physiological education. A high quality consortium from across Europe has been assembled with complementary skills in the technologies needed by the project. The project is partly funded by the European Commission.

MRI and nonverbal cognitive deficits in children with neurofibromatosis 1

Magnetic resonance imaging brain scans and neuropsychological assessments of 17 children who met the NIH consensus diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis Type 1 were carried out in order to determine if there is a relationship between presence of high intensity signal abnormalities on MRI scans and nonverbal cognitive deficits. Cranial MRI scans in 10 patients (58.8%) demonstrated high intensity signal abnormalities, most frequently in the cerebral peduncles. Fifteen patients had nonverbal cognitive deficits (88.2%), including difficulty judging the orientation of lines, matching complex visual stimulus configurations, recalling pictures of faces, as well as copying and drawing from memory a complex geometric figure. There was not a significant association between nonverbal neuropsychological deficits and presence of high intensity signal abnormalities on MRI scans, possibly because the location of these hyperintense abnormalities was typically below the level of the basal ganglia. These findings suggest that the high intensity signal lesions seen on the MRI scans of children with neurofibromatosis Type 1 do not predict or explain their nonverbal cognitive deficits.

CT and MR of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency

Siblings with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency were evaluated with CT and MR. Both imaging studies demonstrated a leukodystrophy with preferential involvement of the deeper arcuate fibers.

The association of Chiari type I malformation and neurofibromatosis type 1

The association of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with Chiari malformations of the cerebellum and brain stem has been reported on only two previous occasions. The pathogenesis of both conditions has remained unclear, although the Chiari type I malformation is most likely due to hypoplasia of the posterior fossa with subsequent extension of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum. NF1 is also associated with a variety of cerebral dysplasias. We present a patient with both of these dysplastic lesions whose Chiari malformation was asymptomatic.

Persistent posttraumatic orbital-antral fistula

The case of a symptomatic persistent orbital--antral fistula after silicone orbital floor reconstruction is presented. Intermittent diplopia with Valsalva maneuvers was the patient's chief complaint. Periorbital cellulitis was a suspected complication of the fistula. This case emphasizes the importance of an often overlooked goal of orbital floor reconstruction, that is, isolation of the orbital cavity from the maxillary sinus. Greater care in positioning alloplastic implants may improve their function. Autogenous materials may be superior in orbital floor reconstruction.

Development of the ostiomeatal unit in childhood: a radiological study

The role of surgery in the management of sinus disease is in a state of evolution. With the advent of the endoscope, functional sinus surgery has become a reality. This type of surgery is recently being utilized as a therapeutic modality for sinus disease in children. The sinus surgeon should be aware of the differences between adult and pediatric sinus anatomy. This study utilizes the CT scanner to chart the anatomy and development of the ostiomeatal unit area in childhood, from the age of one through 16. This study may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ostiomeatal unit in the pediatric population.

Autosomal recessive cerebellar hypoplasia and tapeto-retinal degeneration: a new syndrome

Two sisters with autosomal recessive cerebellar hypoplasia and severe nonprogressive retinal pigmentary disease are presented. This syndrome has been previously described in only 1 patient. The retinal changes may be difficult to discern and we suggest that all patients with congenital ataxia have a detailed ophthalmologic assessment, including electroretinography.

Enteroviral RNA sequences detected by polymerase chain reaction in muscle of patients with postviral fatigue syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presence of enteroviral sequences in muscle of patients with the postviral fatigue syndrome.

DESIGN

Detection of sequences with the polymerase chain reaction in a well defined group of patients with the syndrome and controls over the same period.

SETTING

Institute of Neurological Sciences, Glasgow.

SUBJECTS

60 consecutive patients admitted to the institute with the postviral fatigue syndrome who had undergone extensive investigation to exclude other conditions. 41 controls from the same catchment area without evidence of fatigue, all undergoing routine surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Routine investigations, serological screen for antibodies to a range of viruses, and presence of enteroviral RNA sequences in muscle biopsy specimens.

RESULTS

15 (25%) patients and 10 (24.4%) controls had important serological findings. 12 patients had neutralising antibody titres of greater than or equal to 256 to coxsackieviruses B1-5 (six positive for enteroviral RNA sequences, six negative); three were positive for Epstein-Barr virus specific IgM (two positive, one negative). Six controls had similar neutralising antibody titres to coxsackieviruses (all negative); one was positive for Epstein-Barr virus specific IgM (negative); and three had titres of complement fixing antibody greater than or equal to 256 to cytomegalovirus (all negative). Overall, significantly more patients than controls had enteroviral RNA sequences in muscle (32/60, 53% v 6/41, 15%; odds ratio 6.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4 to 18.2). This was not correlated with duration of disease, patient and age, or to raised titres of antibodies to coxsackieviruses B1-5.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent enteroviral infection of muscle may occur in some patients with postviral fatigue syndrome and may have an aetiological role.

The limitations of definition of blood vessels with computer intravenous angiography

Using a polystyrene phantom and various concentrations of iodine contrast material, the discrimination of blood vessels by the EMI scanner was studied. Although a 2 mm tube can be delineated using high concentrations of iodine, smaller tubes are not seen due to noise inherent in the system.

Computer intravenous angiography

Computer tomography could be useful in demonstrating lesions of intracranial vascular structures. Experimental methods aimed at achieving this are presented and clinical examples using intravenous angiography are given. The factors involved by the demonstration of intracranial vessels are discussed.