Unsteady computational fluid dynamics analysis of the hydrodynamic instabilities in a reversible Francis turbine used in a storage plant

The hydraulic storage plants play a strategic role in the management of large electrical networks. Besides the widely known capability to store and provide great amount of energy, in a green and efficient way, these plants are of utmost importance to guarantee the perfect balance of the Italian electricity grid. For this reason the reversible turbomachineries, used in these plants, are subjected to a particularly intensive use which strongly affects their reliability. The present work deals with a real issue of the ENEL Green Power "Anapo" storage hydro plant, located in Sicily (Italy). In this plant strong and increasing vibrations were detected in the Fink's guide vane, particularly during the pumping operating conditions. In order to find the sources of these vibrations and for a quantitative evaluation of the structural loads on the Fink's guide vane blades, an unsteady CFD 3D model of the reversible turbine was implemented and validated using data provided by ENEL. The model accurately reproduced the hydrodynamic behavior of the water flow within the entire machinery, between the Kaplan's diffuser and the spiral case. This allowed for the calculation of the time dependent trend of the structural loads over the Fink's vane blades. The frequencies and the amplitudes of the loads were analyzed through the use of a Fast Fourier Transformation. Moreover, the CFD model allowed for a sensitivity study of the guide vane opening angle effects. This study provides an interesting insight into the hydrodynamic behavior of the machine.

Fuels with low octane number: water injection as knock control method

The present paper deals with the study of water effect on the combustion of fuels with low Octane Number in Internal Combustion Engines. In particular, this study was carried out using a variable volumetric compression ratio CFR fuel engine.

ASTM Standards for Motor and Research methods were followed to determine fuels and fuel-water mixture Octane Number.

CFR fuel engine intake manifold was modified to install water injection. Different water/fuel mass ratios were used and Research and Motor Methods Octane Number and pollutant emissions were measured. In particular, water to fuel mass flow ratio was imposed from 0 to 1.5.

Increasing the water/fuel mass ratio an increment in octane number was registered and this behaviour is evident for each base octane number studied. At the same time a reduction in the NO_x emissions was registered due to both in-cylinder temperature reduction and water chemical interaction with NO_x. Analysing in-cylinder pressure traces highlighted that water presence reduces pressure oscillation within the cylinder engine.

On the basis of the results it is possible to state that water is able to control detonation in the fuel combustion and an increment of the octane number is registered.

Effects of acoustic stimulus duration on cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: A neurophysiological and modeling study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and model the effects of acoustic stimulus duration on cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs).

DESIGN

Subjects with normal hearing and no vestibular or cervical disorders were tested using 1 kHz tone bursts (TBs) of different durations to evoke cVEMPs from the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle. VEMP modeling was performed in Labview.

RESULTS

The increase in TB duration initially resulted in a non-linear increase in cVEMP amplitude, followed by more complex cVEMP modifications that were mainly related to the appearance of a new wave (nX) that interfered with n23. With long TBs there were two distinct negative peaks with an identical threshold, suggesting a common vestibular nature. A two-level inhibition model qualitatively accounted for the two distinct negative peaks. However, good fitting of the cVEMP waveform required a multi-level model that included an excitatory phase after the inhibitory period.

CONCLUSIONS

The two negative components (n23 and nX) observed in cVEMPs elicited by long TBs may result from the involvement of two different pathways with different dynamics or a single pathway with quick adaptation in the activity along the vestibulo-collic arc. Excitatory activity following the period of inhibition may represent rebound activity at the motor unit level.

Aesthetic rehabilitation in a young patient using a minimally invasive approach. A multidisciplinary case report

BACKGROUND

Optimal integration and long-term stability of oral rehabilitations require correct diagnostic approach, appropriate pre-prosthetic treatments and accurate therapeutic protocols. Technology provides devices to optimise therapeutic results, according to biologic constraints and aesthetic parameters.

CASE REPORT

The present report describes a multidisciplinary management in a young patient affected by lateral incisor agenesis, including pre-prosthetic orthodontic treatment and restorative and implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation. Minimally invasive clinical procedures with veneer restorations and flapless implant placement, followed by immediate prosthesis delivery, are carried out. Tridimensional diagnostic data and dedicated software were used for treatment planning, allowing to achieve optimal results.

Species and tissues specific differentiation of processed animal proteins in aquafeeds using proteomics tools

The rapidly growing aquaculture industry drives the search for sustainable protein sources in fish feed. In the European Union (EU) since 2013 non-ruminant processed animal proteins (PAP) are again permitted to be used in aquafeeds. To ensure that commercial fish feeds do not contain PAP from prohibited species, EU reference methods were established. However, due to the heterogeneous and complex nature of PAP complementary methods are required to guarantee the safe use of this fish feed ingredient. In addition, there is a need for tissue specific PAP detection to identify the sources (i.e. bovine carcass, blood, or meat) of illegal PAP use. In the present study, we investigated and compared different protein extraction, solubilisation and digestion protocols on different proteomics platforms for the detection and differentiation of prohibited PAP. In addition, we assessed if tissue specific PAP detection was feasible using proteomics tools. All work was performed independently in two different laboratories. We found that irrespective of sample preparation gel-based proteomics tools were inappropriate when working with PAP. Gel-free shotgun proteomics approaches in combination with direct spectral comparison were able to provide quality species and tissue specific data to complement and refine current methods of PAP detection and identification.

SIGNIFICANCE

To guarantee the safe use of processed animal protein (PAP) in aquafeeds efficient PAP detection and monitoring tools are required. The present study investigated and compared various proteomics workflows and shows that the application of shotgun proteomics in combination with direct comparison of spectral libraries provides for the desired species and tissue specific classification of this heat sterilized and pressure treated (≥133°C, at 3bar for 20min) protein feed ingredient.

Improvement of renal function in epidermolysis bullosa patients after gluten free diet: two cases

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare inherited genetic disease characterized by an abnormal response of the skin and mucosa to mechanical trauma. Dystrophic EB (DEB) is very often associated with many extra cutaneous complications. Those complications involve either epithelial associated tissues or other organs. In particular, several renal complications have been described for DEB in the recessive form, such as amyloidosis, post-infection glomerulonephritis, upper and lower urinary tract obstruction and IgA-Nephropathy (IgAN). In the cases reported below we have two patients diagnosed with DEB that showed compromised renal function and proteinuria. The switch of the normal diet toward a gluten free diet resulted beneficial for both patients, since renal function was rescued and proteinuria cured. Moreover, a general health status improvement was recognised, given that nutritional condition was ameliorated and bone growing enhanced. Furthermore, in both patients the presence of autoantibodies anti-COL7 indicating an autoimmune form of the disease. Therefore, patients received low doses of betametasone useful to reduce inflammatory state and to control immune system function. In conclusion, our results prompt us to hypothesized that in these patients, due to the fragility of the intestinal mucosa, the absence in the diet of gluten may be beneficial.

Occurrence of nonceliac gluten sensitivity in patients with allergic disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of gluten sensitivity (GS) in a group of allergic patients and to assess the efficacy of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on the improvement of the symptomatology in those who were diagnosed with GS.

METHODS

262 unrelated allergic patients with gastrointestinal symptoms of obscure origin were tested for GS condition by biopsy. All patients were also genotyped for the typical celiac DQ2 and DQ8 molecules and investigated for several hematological parameters such as antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies. Patients displaying mucosal lesions were invited to follow a GFD.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven of the 262 allergic patients were positive to mucosal lesions, but negative to the antiAGA, antiEMA and to DQ2 and DQ8 molecules. We found, instead, a prevalence of the DQA1*05 allele, whereas anemia of inflammatory origin represented the predominant complaint in our subjects. The positive patients, who, after the GS diagnosis, followed a GFD, exhibited control of symptoms as well as stabilization of the hematological parameters even if allergic manifestations were not abated.

CONCLUSIONS

A nonceliac gluten-sensitive enteropathy (NCGSE) commonly occurs in allergic patients. Based on the high prevalence of NCGSE in allergy, it is recommended that biopsy should be part of the routine investigation of allergic disease to offer the benefits of treatment with a GFD to the patients.

Groove associated periodontitis: classification proposal and clinical. Case report

The presence of a palatoradicular groove (PRG), more frequently observed at the level of the upper lateral incisors, may compromise both the radicular pulp and the periodontium leading to endodontic-periodontal lesions. Frequently, the prognosis of these elements is compromised because of the missed diagnosis or because of the complex therapeutic approach that is necessary to cure the associated pathologies. A histopathological and clinical classification is proposed showing according to the degree of the affected tooth involvement. Preventive measures are also discussed and a clinical case is reported. A 49-year-old woman presented with a PRG at the superior left lateral incisor, endodontically treated years before, associated with probing pocket depths of 10 mm and 7 mm, clinical attachment loss of 11 mm and first degree mobility. The tooth was treated with splinting, periodontal surgery with radiculoplasty, root surface conditioning, guided tissue regeneration and with a prosthetic crown for esthetic rehabilitation. Six years later, the operated site showed probing pocket depths of 3 mm, gains in clinical attachment level of 4 mm and 7 mm and reduction of tooth mobility. The ceramic crown re-established an acceptable esthetics for the patient. Even in the presence of a 3(rd) degree PRG, according to the classification presented, the prognosis of the tooth may be positive through the association of root canal treatment, periodontal and prosthetic therapy. The classification presented shows the clinician the best therapeutic approach.

Platelet gel biotechnology applied to regenerative surgery of intrabony defects in patients with refractory generalized aggressive peridontitis. Case report

Platelet gel biotechnology, a method which has all the components of "tissue engineering" techniques, potentiates the already known healing process of guided tissue regeneration procedures (GTR) by multiplying the number of molecules that activate the healing response and by grafting in the host site various cell types, among which stem cells. Here are reported cases of patients affected by refractory generalized aggressive periodontitis treated with the association GTR and platelet gel biotechnology to verify if the contribution of the gel would produce superior results than those obtained by surgery alone which had been previously applied to the same sites with negative results. Three patients in therapy from 4 to 11 years, already subjected to surgery (GTR) and antibiotic therapy, were reoperated with the adjunct of autologous platelet gel. At a distance of 15.2 months (range 11-17 months) the operated sites showed a reduction in probing pocket depth of 3.4 mm (range 2.8-4.8 mm) and a gain in clinical attachment level of 3.1 mm (range 3-3.5 mm). The association of platelet gel biotechnology with GTR in the surgical treatment of intrabony defects of refractory generalized aggressive periodontitis patients seems to produce results similar to those reported for patients with chronic adult periodontitis. The observations at 15.2 months indicate that there is a stability over time of the results in those sites where previous surgical therapy had shown relapse.

Treatment of infrabony pocket with a collagen membrane supported by cancellous bovine bone

BACKGROUND

Treatment of infrabony pockets with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) methods using absorbable membranes supported by bone substitutes has gained wide acceptance. Our objective is to observe the clinical variations obtained with the use of these materials in a prospective clinical study.

METHODS

Nine patients were treated with GTR at nine infrabony pockets using a double layered collagen membrane and deproteinized cancellous bovine bone associated with root conditioning by application of tetracycline-HCl. The nine patients included in this study had adult periodontitis, were non-smokers and responded well to initial therapy. The sites evaluated had probing pocket depths of at least 5 mm and an angular defect of at least 2 mm. The clinical parameters considered were probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (REC). Some indexes were also evaluated: the modified Quigley and Hein's Plaque index (PI), O'Leary's bleeding index (FMBS) and the Löe and Sillness gingival index (GI). These parameters were measured one week before surgery and at the control visit after an average of 22.9 months. After the removal of the sutures on the eighth day the patients received professional oral hygene every four months at their private dentists' offices. The baseline and the final measurements were compared with the Student OtO-test to verify the statistical significance of this case series.

RESULTS

The mean values of PI, FMBS and GI remained unvaried (p>0.05). Results showed an average decrease in PPD of 4.0+/-2.7 mm (p=0.0002), an average increase of CAL of 4.1+/-2.1 mm (p=0.0001) and an average decrease in recession of 0.2+/-1.2 mm (p=0.594). The value of statistical significance was set at p=0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that the materials used in this study behaved well clinically and that the surgical technique described has given results that, within the limits of the number of cases reported, has modified the PPD and CAL in a significant manner.

Effect of the aromatase inhibitor, MEN 11066, on growth of two different MCF-7 sublines

The racemate compound MEN 11066 (1-[(benzofuran-2-yl)(4'-cyanophenyl)methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole) and its enantiomers, (+)-MEN 11623 and (-)-MEN 11622, showed potent and selective aromatase activity on human placental microsomes. In addition, to better evaluate their potency as anticancer drugs, the compounds were assayed on testosterone-induced cell proliferation to measure their ability in inhibiting oestrogen-dependent tumour growth. Two different sublines originated from the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 were used. One, named MCF-7(tumour aromatase) (TA), that had maintained its intrinsic aromatase activity, was more sensitive to estradiol or testosterone-induced growth than the second subline named MCF-7(human placental aromatase) (hPA). The latter had been transfected with the human placental aromatase cDNA, after recognizing that the parental cells had aromatase activity reduced to undetectable levels. The MEN compounds completely reverted the testosterone-induced proliferation in both MCF-7(TA) and MCF-7(hPA) cells, while they did not affect the estradiol-triggered proliferation as a proof of their specificity for aromatase enzyme. Interestingly, MCF-7(TA) cells were more susceptible to the effects of aromatase inhibitors than the MCF-7(hPA) cell. These data suggest the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer when the growth dependency from oestrogen is high and a relatively low aromatase activity may be extremely important for tumour development.

Solid-phase synthesis of MEN 11270, a new cyclic peptide kinin B2 receptor antagonist

An efficient synthesis of the cyclic decapeptide MEN 11270 [H-DArg1-Arg2 Pro3-Hyp4-Gly5-Thi6-Dab7-DTic8-Oic9-Arg10 c(7gamma - 10alpha)] was developed. Two three-dimensional orthogonal strategies were applied and compared: Fmoc/Tos/Boc (procedure A) and Fmoc/Pmc/Dde (procedure B). Both resulted in a 23-step strategy comprising the stepwise solid-phase chain assembly of the linear protected peptide, partial deprotection, solution-phase cyclization and final full deprotection. The stepwise assembly of the linear peptide was optimized by double coupling and acylation time prolongation for critical residues (Tic, Dab, Thi, Pro). O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N' tetramethyluronium (HATU) was preferred as coupling reagent for Dab. In the cyclization step, the partial racemization of Arg10 (31% using 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide/1-hydroxybenzotriazole (EDC/HOBt) as activation system) was reduced to 3% with HATU. The final deprotection was performed in the presence of dimethylsulfide (procedure A) and thiocresol (procedure B) as scavengers, to avoid the sulfation of Hyp side chain. The final compound and the main by-products were characterized by mass spectroscopy (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and racemization test. Procedure B produced operationally simpler and more efficient results than A (28% overall yield versus 4%).

Functional characterization of osteoblasts and osteoclasts from alkaline phosphatase knockout mice

Tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) knockout (ko) mice manifest defects in bone mineralization that mimic the phenotypic abnormalities of infantile hypophosphatasia. In this article, we have searched for phenotypic differences between calvarial osteoblasts and osteoclasts in wild-type (wt), heterozygous and homozygous TNAP null mice. In vitro release of 45Ca from calvarial bones, with and without stimulation with parathyroid hormone (PTH), revealed no functional difference between osteoclasts from the three TNAP genotypes. Studies of primary cultures of TNAP+/+, TNAP+/-, and TNAP-/- calvarial osteoblasts revealed no differences in the rate of protein synthesis or in the expression levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for osteopontin (OP), osteocalcin (OC), collagen type I, core binding factor alpha1 (Cbfa 1), N-cadherin, Smad 5, and Smad 7. Release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) from calvarial osteoblasts under basal conditions and after stimulation with PTH, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or IL-1beta was similar in all genotypes. The amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation also was comparable. However, although cultures of primary TNAP-/- osteoblasts were able to form cellular nodules as well as TNAP positive osteoblasts do, they lacked the ability to mineralize these nodules in vitro. Mineralization also was delayed in TNAP+/- osteoblast cultures compared with cultures of wt osteoblasts. Incubation with media supplemented with recombinant TNAP, but not with enzymatically inactive TNAP, restored mineralization in ko osteoblast cultures. Our data provide evidence that osteoblasts in TNAP null mice differentiate normally but are unable to initiate mineralization in vitro. The fact that even heterozygous osteoblasts show delayed mineralization provides a rationale for the presence of bone disease in carriers of hypophosphatasia.

Osteoblast tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase antagonizes and regulates PC-1

Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is essential for bone matrix mineralization, but the central mechanism for TNAP action remains undefined. We observed that ATP-dependent (45)Ca precipitation was decreased in calvarial osteoblast matrix vesicle (MV) fractions from TNAP-/- mice, a model of infantile hypophosphatasia. Because TNAP hydrolyzes the mineralization inhibitor inorganic pyrophosphate (PP(i)), we assessed phosphodiesterase nucleotide pyrophosphatase (PDNP/NTPPPH) activity, which hydrolyzes ATP to generate PP(i). Plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 (PC-1), but not the isozyme B10 (also called PDNP3) colocalized with TNAP in osteoblast MV fractions and pericellular matrix. PC-1 but not B10 increased MV fraction PP(i) and inhibited (45)Ca precipitation by MVs. TNAP directly antagonized inhibition by PC-1 of MV-mediated (45)Ca precipitation. Furthermore, the PP(i) content of MV fractions was greater in cultured TNAP-/- than TNAP+/+ calvarial osteoblasts. Paradoxically, transfection with wild-type TNAP significantly increased osteoblast MV fraction NTPPPH. Specific activity of NTPPPH also was twofold greater in MV fractions of osteoblasts from TNAP+/+ mice relative to TNAP-/- mice. Thus TNAP attenuates PC-1/NTPPPH-induced PP(i) generation that would otherwise inhibit MV-mediated mineralization. TNAP also paradoxically regulates PC-1 expression and NTPPPH activity in osteoblasts.

Structural characterization and independent folding of a chimeric glycoprotein comprising granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin sequences

MEN 11300 is a hybrid glycoprotein of 297 amino acids obtained by fusion of the cDNA encoding GM-CSF with the cDNA encoding EPO followed by transfection of the hybrid gene into CHO cells. The oligonucleotide construct incorporated a spacing sequence between the two individual cDNAs which encodes eight amino acids constituting a linker peptide intended to separate the GM-CSF and EPO moieties. The recombinant MEN 11300 protein was submitted to a detailed structural characterization including the verification of the entire amino acid sequence, the assignment of the disulfide bridges pattern, the identification of the glycosylation sites and the definition of the glycosidic moiety, including site-specificity. Partial processing of the C-terminal Arg residue and the occurrence of N-glycosylation sites at Asn27, Asn155, Asn169, Asn214 were established. Moreover, O-glycosylation at Ser257 and at the N-terminal region was also detected. A large heterogeneity was observed in the N-glycans due to the presence of differently sialylated and fucosylated branched complex type oligosaccharides whereas O-linked glycans were constituted by GalGalNAc chains with a different number of sialic acids. The disulfide bridges pattern was established by direct FABMS analysis of the proteolytic digests or by ESMS analysis of HPLC purified fractions. Pairing of the eight cysteine residues resulted in Cys54-Cys96, Cys88-Cys121, Cys138-Cys292, and Cys160-Cys164. This S-S bridges pattern is identical to that occurring in the individual natural GM-CSF and EPO, thus showing that the two protein moieties in MEN 11300 can independently acquire their native three-dimensional structure.

Production of recombinant human GM-CSF-EPO hybrid proteins: in vitro biological characterization

Selective lineage differentiation depends upon the combined action of several colony-stimulating factors. Here we describe 3 human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-erythropoietin (GM-CSF-EPO) hybrid proteins generated by recombination of the relevant cDNAs. The expression vector containing the murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) promoter and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene was used for the expression of the hybrid genes in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Purified hybrid proteins from CHO transfectant cultures induced proliferation of both EPO and GM-CSF dependent cell lines. The clonogenic test, performed on purified human hematopoietic precursor cells, indicates that the hybrid proteins are more efficient at inducing erythroid differentiation compared with the equimolar mixture of GM-CSF and EPO.

[Factors involved in gingival hyperplasia caused by diphenyl hydantoin]

BACKGROUND

The objective of this clinical study is to evaluate the relationship between the degree of the phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) and factors like bacterial plaque, the "individual predisposition" to develop GO and multiple drug based therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a one year period we examined 20 epileptic patients taking phenytoin alone or in association with other drugs; they underwent initial therapy and in some cases periodontal surgery.

RESULTS

The long-term control showed that a better oral hygiene and an association of drugs may reduce the gingival overgrowth but not eliminate it.

CONCLUSION

A determining factor in developing GO seems to be the "individual predisposition" probably due to the presence of a fibroblast subpopulation sensitive to phenytoin.

Physical relationship between satellite I and II DNA in centromeric regions of sheep chromosomes

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes representing sheep satellite I and satellite II DNAs shows a different distribution of the two repetitive DNA families in the centromeric region of most chromosomes. The single signal per chromosome produced by the satellite I probe suggests close proximity of this DNA family to the primary constriction. Satellite II produces two separate signals on the sister chromatids, and large blocks of satellite II DNA constitute most of the short arm of all acrocentric chromosomes. We have isolated and sequenced a phage clone containing a junction between discrete blocks of satellite I and satellite II sequences. The junction is characterized by an abrupt juxtaposition of arrays of the two satellites. The possibility that the peculiar structural features of this junction could have a functional significance is discussed.

Cold-Resistant and Cold-Sensitive Maize Lines Differ in the Phosphorylation of the Photosystem II Subunit, CP29

The effects of low temperature on the relative contributions of the reaction center and the antenna activities to photosystem II (PSII) electron transport were estimated by chlorophyll fluorescence. The inhibition of PSII photochemistry resulted from photo-damage to the reaction center and/or a reduced probability of excitation energy trapping by the reaction center. Although chill treatment did not modify the proportion of the dimeric to monomeric PSII, it destabilized its main light-harvesting complex. Full protection of the reaction center was achieved only in the presence of the phosphorylated PSII subunit, CP29. In a nonphosphorylating genotype the chill treatment led to photoinhibitory damage. The phosphorylation of CP29 modified neither its binding to the PSII core nor its pigment content. Phosphorylated CP29 was isolated by flat-bed isoelectric focusing. Its spectral characteristics indicated a depletion of the chlorophyll spectral forms with the highest excitation transfer efficiency to the reaction center. It is suggested that phosphorylated CP29 performs its regulatory function by an yet undescribed mechanism based on a shift of the equilibrium for the excitation energy toward the antenna.

Expression and characterization of a mouse/human chimeric antibody specific for EGF receptor

Murine antibodies which recognize the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) are good candidates for therapy and diagnosis of tumors overexpressing this receptor. Here we report the isolation of the variable regions from a murine monoclonal antibody anti-EGF-r (Mint5), the procedure to obtain the mouse/human chimeric antibody (chMint5) and its expression in COS, NS0 and CHO cells. The approach followed to construct chMint5 is based on the use of consensus primers specific for the ends of the variable regions. The sequence imposed by the primers did not affect the targeting potential of the antibody. In fact, the affinity of the chimeric antibody for EGF-r was nearly the same as that of the parental murine antibody. Based on previous in vitro and in vivo animal studies. Mint5 was shown to be a good candidate for the targeting of EGF-r overexpressing tumours. chMint5 is expected to be less immunogenic than murine antibody and therefore, could be useful for human treatment.

[Sexuality of the aging male]

The paper discusses data reported in the literature concerning the sexual behaviour of elderly males and examines the role played by anatomical alterations to the genital tract, erection physiology and psycho-physical performance. The Authors review the current possibilities of treatment for sexual therapy in elderly males.

The relationship between the yield factors for prompt and delayed fluorescence

Review of all normal magnetic resonance (MR) scans performed over a 12-month period consistently revealed punctate areas of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in the white matter just anterior and lateral to both frontal horns. Normal anatomic specimens were examined with attention to specific characteristics of this region. Three unique features typify the brain tissues that correspond to the foci of high signal. First, this region of the brain is notable for its loose network of axons with low myelin content. Second, pathologic scrutiny revealed an entity called “ependymitis granularis,” which represents patchy loss of the ependyma in the frontal horns with astrocytic gliosis, Third, flow of interstitial fluid within this region of the brain tends to converge at the dorsal-lateral angle of the frontal horns. All these factors contribute to increased water content locally, which results in foci of high signal intensity anterior to the frontal horns in all normal MR scans.