Pretreatment of different food rest materials for bioconversion into fungal lipid-rich biomass

Food rest materials have the potential to be used as media components in various types of fermentations. Oleaginous filamentous fungi can utilize those components and generate a high-value lipid-rich biomass, which could be further used for animal and human use. One of the main limitations in this process is the pretreatment of food rest materials, needed to provide homogenization, sterilization and solubilization. In this study, two pretreatment processes-steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis-were evaluated for potato and animal protein-rich food rest materials. The pretreated food rest materials were used for the production of fungal lipid-rich biomass in submerged fermentation by the oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloides. Cultivation media based on malt extract broth and glucose were used as controls of growth and lipid production, respectively. It was observed that media based on food rest materials can support growth and lipid production in M. circinelloides to a similar extent as the control media. More specifically, the use of potato hydrolysate combined with chicken auto-hydrolysate resulted in a higher fungal total biomass weight than using malt extract broth. When the same C/N ratio was used for glucose and rest materials-based media, similar lipid content was obtained or even higher using the latter media.

Information Systems to Support Medical Practice and Scientific Discovery

In many educational applications of the computer, systems are designed to contain information or knowledge that is to be conveyed to the student or user via an interactive learning scheme. In contrast, most NLM systems strive merely to increase the user´s access to the broad range of published scientific literature, or to link the user to appropriate factual databases.

Providing or enhancing access is, of course, made more difficult than in didactic systems because of the relatively large size of the files that make up the bibliographic and factual databases. For example, the MEDLARS files contain over 12 million records, made up of roughly thirty billion online characters.

Users send electronic queries to these files on-line via commercial valueadded networks (24 hrs/day, 365 days/year), in total about 4 million queries per year. Of the 4 million, approximately half of the queries were (in the opinion of the users polled) prompted by questions that arose in caring for a particular patient. The remaining 2 million queries concerned research, teaching, and public policy.

Adenosine A2A receptor and ERK-driven impulsivity potentiates hippocampal neuroblast proliferation

Dampened adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) function has been implicated in addiction through enhancement of goal-directed behaviors. However, the contribution of the A_2AR to the control of impulsive reward seeking remains unknown. Using mice that were exposed to differential reward of low rate (DRL) schedules during Pavlovian-conditioning, second-order schedule discrimination, and the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), we demonstrate that deficits of A_2AR function promote impulsive responses. Antagonism of the A_2AR lowered ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and potentiated impulsivity during Pavlovian-conditioning and the 5-CSRTT. Remarkably, inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation by U0126 in the dHip prior to Pavlovian-conditioning exacerbated impulsive reward seeking. Moreover, we found decreased A_2AR expression, and reduced ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dHip of equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1^-/-) null mice, which displayed exacerbated impulsivity. To determine whether impulsive response behavior is associated with hippocampal neuroblast development, we investigated expression of BrdU⁺ and doublecortin (DCX⁺) following 5-CSRTT testing. These studies revealed that impulsive behavior driven by inhibition of the A_2AR is accompanied by increased neuroblast proliferation in the hippocampus.

On the intracellular release mechanism of hydrophobic cargo and its relation to the biodegradation behavior of mesoporous silica nanocarriers

The intracellular release mechanism of hydrophobic molecules from surface-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles was studied in relation to the biodegradation behavior of the nanocarrier, with the purpose of determining the dominant release mechanism for the studied drug delivery system. To be able to follow the real-time intracellular release, a hydrophobic fluorescent dye was used as model drug molecule. The in vitro release of the dye was investigated under varying conditions in terms of pH, polarity, protein and lipid content, presence of hydrophobic structures and ultimately, in live cancer cells. Results of investigating the drug delivery system show that the degradation and drug release mechanisms display a clear interdependency in simple aqueous solvents. In pure aqueous media, the cargo release was primarily dependent on the degradation of the nanocarrier, while in complex media, mimicking intracellular conditions, the physicochemical properties of the cargo molecule itself and its interaction with the carrier and/or surrounding media were found to be the main release-governing factors. Since the material degradation was retarded upon loading with hydrophobic guest molecules, the cargo could be efficiently delivered into live cancer cells and released intracellularly without pronounced premature release under extracellular conditions. From a rational design point of view, pinpointing the interdependency between these two processes can be of paramount importance considering future applications and fundamental understanding of the drug delivery system.

Prolonged Dye Release from Mesoporous Silica-Based Imaging Probes Facilitates Long-Term Optical Tracking of Cell Populations In Vivo

Nanomedicine is gaining ground worldwide in therapy and diagnostics. Novel nanoscopic imaging probes serve as imaging tools for studying dynamic biological processes in vitro and in vivo. To allow detectability in the physiological environment, the nanostructure-based probes need to be either inherently detectable by biomedical imaging techniques, or serve as carriers for existing imaging agents. In this study, the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles carrying commercially available fluorochromes as self-regenerating cell labels for long-term cellular tracking is investigated. The particle surface is organically modified for enhanced cellular uptake, the fluorescence intensity of labeled cells is followed over time both in vitro and in vivo. The particles are not exocytosed and particles which escaped cells due to cell injury or death are degraded and no labeling of nontargeted cell populations are observed. The labeling efficiency is significantly improved as compared to that of quantum dots of similar emission wavelength. Labeled human breast cancer cells are xenotransplanted in nude mice, and the fluorescent cells can be detected in vivo for a period of 1 month. Moreover, ex vivo analysis reveals fluorescently labeled metastatic colonies in lymph node and rib, highlighting the capability of the developed probes for tracking of metastasis.

Purinergic signaling and energy homeostasis in psychiatric disorders

Purinergic signaling regulates numerous vital biological processes in the central nervous system (CNS). The two principle purines, ATP and adenosine act as excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively. Compared to other classical neurotransmitters, the role of purinergic signaling in psychiatric disorders is not well understood or appreciated. Because ATP exerts its main effect on energy homeostasis, neuronal function of ATP has been underestimated. Similarly, adenosine is primarily appreciated as a precursor of nucleotide synthesis during active cell growth and division. However, recent findings suggest that purinergic signaling may explain how neuronal activity is associated neuronal energy charge and energy homeostasis, especially in mental disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of the synaptic function of mitochondria and purines in neuromodulation, synaptic plasticity, and neuron-glia interactions. We summarize how mitochondrial and purinergic dysfunction contribute to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, and addiction. Finally, we discuss future implications regarding the pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial and purinergic function for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Novel, fast-processed crystalline and amorphous manganese oxide nanoparticles for stem cell labeling

MnO(x) nanostructures were developed to be utilized as contrast agents for cellular labeling and tracking by MR-imaging.

2000 200-city survey. Operational & clinical EMS trends in large, urban areas

The year's survey illustrated ongoing stability with respect to providers and operational approaches, and explored relationships that could provide opportunities for improvement. The continued use of hot response to every request for service is a high-risk response strategy. Today's EMD protocol systems can enable systems to safely prioritize requests for service. Response time performance reported by measure interval and averaged response time, while appearing to follow a rational model for transportation providers, fell short with respect to first responder response times which appeared to have no correlation with response clock start times. A possible explanation for this difference is the lower percentage of first responder agencies that are subject to external response-time performance review. The medical direction results suggest an investment in a full-time medical director could reduce online medical control requirements. The use of handheld computing technology could serve as a vehicle for building accurate clinical databases, as well as a means to deliver DS technology to the patient's bedside. Use of this technology could also improve reimburesment through more accurate reporting. The future of EMS has enormous challenges that must be overcome, especially in light of reduced health-care insurance reimbursements. However, these challenges also present an opportunity for EMS to reinvent itself. The capture and analysis of operational and clinical data by EMS systems will prove essential to understanding what changes can be made to enable them to meet future demands.

Electrocorticographic coherence patterns

The availability of implantable subdural electrode arrays has made systematic studies of electrocorticographic (ECoG) coherence possible. Studies of coherence patterns recorded directly from human cortex are reviewed along with the presentation of original human clinical data, which reveal reliable and characteristic patterns of coherence. A data-driven technique for discriminating between reliable and unreliable coherence and phase values is described and used to reveal the relationship between coherence and cortical anatomy, such as in the region of the central sulcus, where low phase coherence declines and high phase-shifted coherence increases. Analysis of coherence magnitude and phase makes it possible to determine which signals likely arise from the cortical surface, and which arise from the depths of a sulcus. Alterations in coherence patterns caused by tumors or epilepsy are described and may be used to identify normal and pathological functional relationships between distant cortical areas. Some electrophysiologic/pathologic correlations indicate at least two types of epileptic abnormality, implying a sequence in breakdown of epileptic tissue. The relationship between coherence patterns and behavior and cognition is introduced and compared to similar studies of single-unit binding in animals.

Genetic alterations on 3p, 11q13, and 18q in nonfamilial and MEN 1-associated pancreatic endocrine tumors

Pancreatic endocrine tumors occur sporadically and as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndromes. The MEN1 locus on 11q13 and a candidate tumor suppressor locus on 3p are known to be hemi- or homozygously mutated in a subset of these tumors. Chromosome arm 18q harbors the SMAD4/DPC4 tumor suppressor gene that is frequently deleted and inactivated in tumors of the exocrine pancreas. We have analyzed 22 nonfamilial and 16 MEN 1-associated pancreatic endocrine tumors for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 3p, 11q13, and 18q. LOH at 3p was revealed in 45% and 36% of tumors from 31 patients with nonfamilial and MEN 1-associated disease, respectively. The corresponding proportions for 11q13 were 55% and 91%, and for 18q 27% and 25%, respectively. A striking relation between LOH at 11q13 and 3p and a malignant phenotype was found for the nonfamilial tumors. None of the six benign tumors (all of them insulinomas) had allelic loss at 3p or 11q13, whereas 92% (P < 0.01) of the malignant tumors (including malignant insulinomas) had such deletions. Besides the 11q13 abnormality, more than half of the MEN 1-associated tumors had additional genetic lesions affecting 3p or 18q. LOH analysis of several tumors from two MEN 1 patients suggested different clonal origin of the lesions. Sequencing of the SMAD4/DPC4 gene did not identify mutations in coding regions or at exon/intron boundaries in tumors with LOH at 18q. The data indicate involvement of tumor suppressor genes on 3p and 18q, in addition to the MEN1 gene at 11q13, in the tumorigenesis of both nonfamilial and MEN 1-associated pancreatic endocrine tumors.

Parathyroid MEN1 gene mutations in relation to clinical characteristics of nonfamilial primary hyperparathyroidism

Biochemical signs and severity of symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) differ among patients, and little is known of any coupling of clinical characteristics of nonfamilial pHPT to genetic abnormalities in the parathyroid tumors. Mutations in the recently identified MEN1 gene at chromosome 11q13 have been found in parathyroid tumors of nonfamilial pHPT. Using microsatellite analysis for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 11q13 and DNA sequencing of coding exons, the MEN1 gene was studied in 49 parathyroid lesions of patients with divergent symptoms, operative findings, histopathological diagnosis, and biochemical signs of nonfamilial pHPT. Allelic loss at 11q13 was detected in 13 tumors, and 6 of them demonstrated previously unrecognized somatic missense and frameshift deletion mutations of the MEN1 gene. Many of the detected mutations would most likely result in a nonfunctional menin protein, consistent with a tumor suppressor mechanism. Clinical and biochemical characteristics of HPT were apparently unrelated to the presence or absence of LOH and the MEN1 gene mutations. However, the demonstration of LOH at 11q13 and MEN1 gene mutations in small parathyroid adenomas of patients with slight hypercalcemia and normal serum PTH levels suggest that altered MEN1 gene function may also be important for the development of mild sporadic pHPT.

Mutation of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 gene in nonfamilial, malignant tumors of the endocrine pancreas

Endocrine pancreatic tumors are rare neoplasms that occur sporadically or as part of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Germ-line mutations of the MEN1 gene, located at 11q13, have been demonstrated in MEN1 kindreds, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on 11q13 together with somatic MEN1 mutations have been detected in 20% of nonfamilial parathyroid tumors. Here, we examine 11 non-MEN1 malignant tumors of the endocrine pancreas, 9 nonfunctioning tumors, and 2 glucagonomas. LOH of at least one informative locus on 11q13 was found in 70% of the tumors. Three tumors displayed somatic mutations of the MEN1 gene together with LOH on 11q13, whereas the corresponding germ-line DNA was normal. These findings support the hypothesis that MEN1 gene mutations contribute to the tumorigenesis of nonfamilial, malignant endocrine pancreatic tumors.

Some practical points concerning psychotherapy in the integrated treatment programme during the first 3 months in hospital. Comments on the three detailed descriptions of psychotherapy with schizophrenics

Some previous studies of individual and group psychotherapy in schizophrenia are presented. A team consisting of a main therapist (usually a specially trained psychologist or social-worker), who works closely with a group leader (usually a specially trained mental nurse) was developed. Together they carried out and monitored the integrated treatment programme in hospital. This programme included intensive psychotherapy, social training, ADL training and a system for evaluation of the treatment process when combined with neuroleptics. Some practical points concerning individual and group psychotherapy with schizophrenics during the first 3 months in hospital are presented. This treatment has been carried out on a routine basis for the last 7 years.

A controlled study of 5 years' treatment with psychotherapy in combination with depot neuroleptics in schizophrenia. II. Personality changes measured by ten selected Rorschach variables

Fourteen chronic schizophrenics (experimental group) were matched with 13 schizophrenics (control group), with respect to sex, age, and time of first admission for the disease. The patients in the experimental group were treated with depot neuroleptics in combination with psychotherapy in a 5 year treatment programme. The control group were mainly treated with broad-spectrum neuroleptics and no structured psychotherapy. The main aim of this study was to investigate personality changes in these groups after 5 years' treatment, as measured by ten selected Rorschach (Ro) variables. Five control patients refused to be tested before the study. At the evaluation 5 years later, 3 had committed suicide and one had moved to another town and could not be tested. In the experimental group 1 patient committed suicide. Compared to the results before treatment, the experimental group's mean total scores on the 10 Ro variables after 5 years' treatment were significantly changed in a direction indicative of improvement (p less than 0.001). The control patients changed significantly in a direction indicative of deterioration (p less than 0.02). The differences in mean total scores between the 2 groups were statistically significant (p less than 0.001), in favour of the experimental group. This study has shown improved intellectual capacity, ego-strength and better ability for reality testing when psychotherapy was combined with depot neuroleptics, compared to schizophrenics treated with neuroleptics but no structured psychotherapy.

Personality changes in chronic schizophrenic patients during five years' treatment with intensive psychotherapy in combination with depot neuroleptics I. Analysis of changes as measured by the Holtzman Inkblot Technique

Twelve schizophrenic inpatients (experimental group) from one department of psychiatry were treated in an integrated programme lasting for at least 5 years (1967--1972). Two more patients participated during the last 4 years of the study. The treatment included depot neuroleptics in combination with individual and group psychotherapy. During the first 3 years of the investigation, the patients of the experimental group were urged to participate in individual and group psychotherapy twice a week. During the last 2 years patients were only offered group psychotherapy once a week. A matched sample of 13 schizophrenics (control group) was selected from other departments at the hospital. The main aim of this study was to describe and measure personality changes after this treatment programme as measured by the Holtzman Inkblot Technique. During the first 3 years of the investigation, a stable and continuously improved intellectual capacity and less disordered through processes were found, as measured by the Holtzman test. After a further 2 years a slight decrease in variables measuring intellectual capacity and more disordered thinking was found. Compared to the control group not receiving psychotherapy, the experimental group spent more days outside hospital during the observation period 1968--1975. The difference was not statistically significant, however. After 2 years of treatment the experimental group's of patients Activities of Daily Living (ADL performance) was increased -- at 5% level of statistical significance -- and it remained at about the same level throughout this investigation. The level of work performance, however, was not changed in this study. The patients in the experimental group were compared with two American reference groups; average adults and schizophrenics. After 3 years' treatment the experimental group had become more similar to the average adults than to the schizophrenics. Two years later a slight deterioration was found. Although psychotherapy seemed to have had additive positive effects in chronic schizophrenia, measures to prevent relapse must be considered.

Integrated rehabilitation in schizophrenia. Development of treatment methods and presentation of some results

The embryo to our integrated treatment programme was "combination treatment in schizophrenia". This combination treatment included behavioural therapy, psychotropic drugs and dynamic psychotherapy. It was also integrated with work therapy and sociotherapy. A number of prospective and retrospective studies for the development work are exemplified. The method of development and method descriptions for above all the psychotherapeutic work are presented. During the years most of the patients have been treated either by D. Lindberg (psychologist) or U. Malm (physician) under the medical responsibility of the head of the department (S.J. Dencker, M.D.). The resulting "integrated treatment programme" is described. The treatment comprises depot neuroleptics in combination with psychosocial measures during a time of two years. During this period the contributions of a head therapist, usually a specially trained psychologist or physician, are coordinated. After a diagnostic phase, including international rating scales and special record keeping, comprising 1--2 weeks, a medical adjustment time and a contact establishing period follows for about 1 month. When the patient is able to stay in an open ward a three months integrated treatment programme in hospital is started. In hospital the patients are either offered group psychotherapy 4 times a week (the "country model") or once a week (the "big city model") in combination with depot neuroleptics and other planned psychosocial methods. Our experiences from a treatment with integrated treatment programme point at the fact that patients with some form of schizophrenic state can live in the society "with a good quality of life". Methods and evaluations of the continued rehabilitation measures are proceeded and like Hogarty et al. (1976) we are looking for new roads.

Symptom reduction in depression after treatment with L-tryptophan or imipramine. Item analysis of Hamilton rating scale for depression

Thirty-eight in-patients with endogenous- and 20 in-patients with non-endogenous depression, took part in a multi-centre 3-week double-blind trial where patients were randomly allocated to treatment with either 6 g L-tryptophan or 150 mg imipramine daily. Item analysis of Hamilton ratings, before the investigation and weekly during the trial period demonstrated few statistically different mean scores on individual items between the two treatment groups. After 3 weeks' treatment a statistically significant item mean reduction on the 0.1% level was found in the item Agitation in favour of imipramine-treated, and in the item Work and Activities in favour of L-tryptophan-treated endogenously depressed patients. After 3 weeks' treatment a statistically significant item mean reduction on the 5% level was found in the item Suicide in favour of imipramine-treated non-endogenously depressed patients. The present study has shown that, after 3 weeks' treatment, imipramine and L-tryptophan has decreased the mean score on individual items of HRS in about the same degree.

Three years' maintenance neuroleptic treatment in schizophrenia--before and beyond

A group of patients with schizophrenia, initially 67 patients, was studied over a period of 3 years. After three years 36 out of 67 patients were still on the same depot neuroleptic. The main aim was to describe and compare maintenance neuroleptic therapy using two depot neuroleptics, fluphenazine decanoate and pipotiazine palmitate, given monthly. Before the outpatient care the patients had participated in the department's comprehensive hospital treatment including depot neuroleptic medication. After a 1-year clinical trial with frequent assessments of the patients, significant symptom reductions were found on all rating scales. During the last 2 years of the study only drug therapy was given. Improvement concerning social function in the community and work level as well as the low-rated psychopathology noted at the start of study also persisted at the 3-year follow-up. The side effects were low in frequency and quality. These results show the clinical value of long-term maintenance treatment with depot neuroleptics. The results also confirm that the favourable effects of the hospital treatment demonstrated before the start of the clinical trial could be maintained. The possibilities of further improving aftercare and outpatient treatment beyond medication alone are discussed.

How schizophrenic patients change during 3 years' treatment with depot neuroleptics

A group of patients, initially 67 individuals, with chronic schizophrenia were studied on repeated occasions during 1 year and followed up after 3 years. The patients were given depot neuroleptics, either fluphenazine decanoate or pipotiazine palmitate, at intervals of 1 month. The symptom scores from three rating scales were subjected to factor analysis. Four factors were found to explain the variance satisfactorily: one comprising psychopathological symptoms specific for schizophrenia, one relating to contact disturbances, one psychomotor activity and one representing neurotic symptoms. Analysis of these factors revealed certain differences between the treatment groups over time and demonstrated the effect of combination of psychotherapy and neuroleptic drugs in a subgroup of patients. This type of analysis of treatment results might contribute to improving our knowledge of rehabilitation of schizophrenic patients and help us to draw up giudelines for selection of suitable measures.