Pedestal analysis of jitter in a 20.97 GHz regeneratively mode-locked laser formed with a short polarization-maintaining fiber amplifier

We demonstrated a 20.97 GHz regeneratively mode-locked Er fiber laser that has a short ring length of 5.84 m. The short active ring enabled large filter-rejection of adjacent supermodes during extraction of its clock signal for regenerative feedback. Very stable mode locking was observed with the generation of ∼5.5ps Gaussian pulses. A characterization of the noise pedestals in the photodetected first and second harmonics of the mode-locked pulses indicated there was cross-correlated coupling between the timing and amplitude jitter. From an analysis of the noise pedestals in these harmonics, as well as the noise spectrum at baseband, we estimated an amplitude jitter of ∼0.19%, and a timing jitter of ∼60fs. Using a generalized harmonic analysis approach, we estimated a cross correlation of 0.11% between the timing and amplitude jitter.

Oxidative degradation profile studies of tavaborole by a validated stability indicating RP-UPLC method: Isolation and characterization of novel degradant using 2D-NMR and HRMS

The current research work reports a study on the degradation profile of tavaborole, which is an oxaborole antifungal drug used to treat infections in the toenails. This work also reports the chemical stability of tavaborole in different stress conditions along with the isolation and characterization of degradation products by high-resolution mass spectrometry and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. A sensitive and reproducible stability-indicating ultra-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for quantification of tavaborole bulk drug in the presence of degradation products. Significant degradation was observed during oxidative stress conditions using H₂ O₂ . It was observed that the drug was highly unstable under oxidation stress conditions and thus degradation profiles with various oxidizing reagents were studied. One unknown impurity (DP-1) was formed during peroxide degradation, which was isolated by reverse-phase preparative chromatography. The structure of this degradant was characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry and multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The structure of this novel impurity DP-1 was identified as [4-fluoro-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol], which was not reported as a degradant in the literature. An Acquity BEH C₁₈ , 100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm column was used to achieve the desired separation within a shorter runtime of 4.0 min. The method was validated for specificity, precision, linearity and accuracy over the concentration range of 5.0-400 μg ml^-1 (r² -0.9999) and limit of quantitation 5.0 μg ml^-1 . This method is compatible with LCMS analysis which enables to identify the unknown impurities formed in the process.

Family-led rehabilitation after stroke in India (ATTEND): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Most people with stroke in India have no access to organised rehabilitation services. The effectiveness of training family members to provide stroke rehabilitation is uncertain. Our primary objective was to determine whether family-led stroke rehabilitation, initiated in hospital and continued at home, would be superior to usual care in a low-resource setting.

METHODS

The Family-led Rehabilitation after Stroke in India (ATTEND) trial was a prospectively randomised open trial with blinded endpoint done across 14 hospitals in India. Patients aged 18 years or older who had had a stroke within the past month, had residual disability and reasonable expectation of survival, and who had an informal family-nominated caregiver were randomly assigned to intervention or usual care by site coordinators using a secure web-based system with minimisation by site and stroke severity. The family members of participants in the intervention group received additional structured rehabilitation training-including information provision, joint goal setting, carer training, and task-specific training-that was started in hospital and continued at home for up to 2 months. The primary outcome was death or dependency at 6 months, defined by scores 3-6 on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) as assessed by masked observers. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2013/04/003557), Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613000078752), and Universal Trial Number (U1111-1138-6707).

FINDINGS

Between Jan 13, 2014, and Feb 12, 2016, 1250 patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n=623) or control (n=627) groups. 33 patients were lost to follow-up (14 intervention, 19 control) and five patients withdrew (two intervention, three control). At 6 months, 285 (47%) of 607 patients in the intervention group and 287 (47%) of 605 controls were dead or dependent (odds ratio 0·98, 95% CI 0·78-1·23, p=0·87). 72 (12%) patients in the intervention group and 86 (14%) in the control group died (p=0·27), and we observed no difference in rehospitalisation (89 [14%]patients in the intervention group vs 82 [13%] in the control group; p=0·56). We also found no difference in total non-fatal events (112 events in 82 [13%] intervention patients vs 110 events in 79 [13%] control patients; p=0·80).

INTERPRETATION

Although task shifting is an attractive solution for health-care sustainability, our results do not support investment in new stroke rehabilitation services that shift tasks to family caregivers, unless new evidence emerges. A future avenue of research should be to investigate the effects of task shifting to health-care assistants or team-based community care.

FUNDING

The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

A metal catalyst-free and one-pot synthesis of (3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-2-yl)methanol derivatives in water

Regioselective synthesis of (3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-2-yl)methanols have been accomplished via a greener method.

Zoonotic infections of buffalopox in India

Four outbreaks of buffalopox in domestic buffaloes, with considerable mortality with high case fatality rates in young buffalo calves and high morbidity with significant productivity loss in terms of reduction in milk yield in adult animals along with severe zoonotic infection in milk attendants were recorded at various places in India, during 2006-2008. In buffaloes, the pox lesions were confined to udder and teats of the majority of the affected animals, and in few animals the lesions were appeared on the hindquarters, indicating generalized infection. The overall disease morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate were 6.8%, 0.7% and 11.4% respectively. Milkers developed pox-like lesions on the hands, forearms and forehead accompanied by fever, axillary lymphadenopathy and general malaise. The causative agent of the outbreaks, buffalopox virus (BPXV), was confirmed upon virus isolation in cell culture, electron microscopy, A-type inclusion (ATI) and ankyrin repeat protein (C18L) gene-specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Further, sequence analysis of the BPXV isolates from human and buffalo showed more identity of ATI and C18L genes sequences with that of other orthopoxviruses at nucleotide and amino acid levels and confirmed a close relationship of BPXV with Vaccinia virus (VACV) or VACV-like viruses. Considering the zoonotic impact and productivity losses of buffalopox infection, the control measures are imperative in curtailing economic and public health impact of the disease.

Purification and characterization of rat testicular glutathione S-transferases: role in the synthesis of eicosanoids

AIM

Purification of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) from rat testis; separation and identification of various subunits and their role in eicosanoid biosynthesis.

METHODS

Purification of rat testicular GSTs by affinity chromatography, employing S-hexylglutathione-linked epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B column and separation of individual subunits by reverse phase-high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Characterization of affinity purified GSTs by Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. The role of testicular GSTs in eicosanoid biosynthesis was determine by incubating GSTs with 5, 6-Leukotriene A4Me (LTA4Me) and prostaglandin H2(PGH2) and analyzing the products formed on HPLC/TLC.

RESULTS

The present study reveals that majority of rat testicular GSTs are of Yb size (60%) with molecular weight of 27 kDa. The most predominant subunits, however, are GST Yn2(27%), followed by GST Yc(24%) and GST Yn1(20%). These testicular GSTs showed very high Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) synthase activity with 5, 6-Leukotriene A4Me (LTA4Me) as the substrate and prostaglandin D (PGD) synthase activity with prostaglandin H2(PGH2) as the substrate.

CONCLUSION

Majority of rat testicular GSTs are Yb sized and are involved in the synthesis of eicosanoids like LTC4 and PGD2.

Studies on safety aspects of contraceptive Magainin-A in rabbits

We have previously reported the contraceptive potential of Magainin-A in rats and rabbits under in vitro and in vivo condition. In this report we evaluated the effect of Magainin-A on the structural organisation of vaginal epithelium in rabbits. The effect of this compound on the erythrocytes and its rate of absorption and clearance from systemic circulation was also studied. The effective contraceptive dose of Magainin-A (1 mg) when administered intra-vaginally for five consecutive days did not induce any structural or morphological abnormalities in vaginal epithelial cells. No adverse effect was observed on the erythrocytes. The rate of Magainin-A absorption and clearance from the circulation was found to be rapid. These results suggest that Magainin-A may be used as a safe intra-vaginal contraceptive compound in future.

LC method for the quantitative determination of oxaprozin and its impurities in the bulk drug

A reversed phase linear gradient liquid chromatographic method was developed for the separation and quantitative determination of the seven known process related impurities and one degraded product of oxaprozin in the bulk drug material. An Inertsil-ODS 3V (150 x 4.6 mm), 5 microm column was operated with a phosphate buffer acetonitrile gradient. Detection was carried out on a UV detector at 254 nm. This method has been proved to be accurate and sensitive. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) of impurities were in the order of 5-60 ng and 16-200 ng, respectively. In addition to its ruggedness and robustness, this method offers identification of all eight impurities in a single run.

Integrins and disintegrins: the candidate molecular players in sperm-egg interaction

Fertilization includes sperm-egg recognition, adhesion, binding, fusion and egg activation. Integrin (ITG) receptors which are adhesion molecules are expressed on mouse, hamster and human gametes and their potential ligands also have been identified. Role of ITGs during fertilization is supported by inhibition of sperm-egg adhesion and/or fusion by means of anti-ITG mAbs, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) or disintegrin-like peptides. This review includes the current understanding of the molecular mechanism that regulates sperm-egg interaction and implications of this knowledge for assessing the fertility potential of men and immunocontraceptive method.

Mg2+ activates 5-lipoxygenase in vitro: dependency on concentrations of phosphatidylcholine and arachidonic acid

Mg2+ gave dose-dependent activation of 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) in vitro. As for Ca2+, the activation depended on the presence of phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles, and the activation response was different at various combinations of arachidonate and PC. Stimulation of 5LO activity was observed with Mg2+ concentrations of 0.1-1 mM, similar to the concentration range of free Mg2+ in mammalian cells. However, to observe a clear increase in 5LO hydrophobicity, a higher concentration of Mg2+ (4 mM) was required, and at this concentration also 5LO activation was optimal. Combinations of Mg2+ with ATP (containing free Mg2+ and MgATP2- complex) gave better activation of 5LO than either agent alone. This effect of Mg2+ (and ATP) could be of interest in relation to basal 5LO activity in cells not subjected to a particular stimulus.

In vitro cytotoxicity of 5-aminosubstituted 20(S)-camptothecins. Part 1

A number of 5-aminosubstituted 20(S)-camptothecin analogues were prepared via semi-synthesis starting from 20(S)-camptothecin and 9-methoxy 20(S)-camptothecin. In vitro anti-cancer activity of these analogues was determined using 60 human tumor cell line assay. Although water solubility of most of these compounds was improved compared to 20(S)-camptothecin, their anti-cancer activity was considerably diminished. However, only smaller substituents such as methylamine or hydroxylamine as present in 8s and 8t, respectively, showed good activity with improved water solubility.

Spectrophotometric analysis of resazurin reduction test and semen quality in men

The resazurin reduction test (RRT) was performed on semen samples obtained from 225 untreated subfertile and 10 pregnancy confirmed fertile males. The results of RRT were determined visually using resazurin colour chart and again the extent of resazurin reduction in each sample was additionally read by spectrophotometer to assess the quality of samples. Absorption spectra was scanned for resazurin and resorufin and two most sensitive wavelengths (572 and 600 nm) were selected. The ratio of the two optical densities was used as a probe to discriminate the various grades of semen samples. In azoospermic samples, RRT ratio ranges from 0.7 to 1.16, in oligoasthenozoospermic samples from 1.10 to 1.35, in oligozoospermic samples from 1.5 to 2.0 (characterised visually as grades from 1-4) in normozoospermic and proven fertile samples from 2.25 to 5.9 (characterized visually as grades from 5 to 11). The highest correlation of RRT ratio was observed with sperm motility (r = 0.889, P < 0.001), followed by concentration (r = 0.848, P < 0.001) morphology (r = 0.660, P < 0.001) and viability (r = 0.544, P < 0.01). The test ratio had a positive predictive value of 95% for a sperm concentration of > 20 x 10(6)/ml and motility > 40% and a negative predictive value of 90% for a sperm concentration of < 20 x 10(6)/ml and motility < 40%. Therefore the evaluation of RRT results using spectrophotometric ratio method may provide a tool for obtaining a wider range of seminological diagnosis more accurately than the routine semen analysis. It is suggested that the method is simple and reliable, it can be performed in any andrology laboratories.

Novel antidiabetic and hypolipidemic agents. 3. Benzofuran-containing thiazolidinediones

Several thiazolidinedione derivatives having 5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-2, 2,4,6,7-pentamethylbenzofuran moieties and their 5-benzyloxy derivatives and 5-hydroxy-2,4,6,7-tetramethylbenzofuran moieties were synthesized and evaluated in db/db mice. Insertion of an N-Me group into the linker between thiazolidinedione and substituted benzofuran pharmacophores showed considerable improvement in their euglycemic activity. Further improvement has been observed when a pyrrolidine moiety is introduced in the structure to give 5-[4-[N-[3(R/S)-5-benzyloxy-2,3-dihydro-2,2,4,6, 7-pentamethylbenzofuran-3-ylmethyl]-(2S)-pyrrolidin-2- ylmethoxy]pheny lene]thiazolidine-2,4-dione (21a). At a 100 mg/kg/day dose of the maleate salt, compound 21a reduced the plasma glucose and triglyceride to the level of lean littermate, i.e. 8 +/- 1 mM, and is the most potent and efficacious compound reported in this series.

Integrin cell adhesion molecules in endometrium of fertile and infertile women throughout menstrual cycle

Integrins (ITGs) are ubiquitous cell adhesion molecules that undergo dynamic alterations during the normal menstrual cycle in human endometrium. The distribution of four different subunits, viz. alpha 4, alpha 6, beta 3 and beta 4 in human endometrial tissue at different stages of the menstrual cycle was studied using immunohistochemical, enzyme immunoassay and SDS-PAGE/Western blot techniques. The specificity of each mAb to their respective ligands viz., laminin (Ln), fibronectin (Fn) and vitronectin (Vn) was done by cell adhesion assays. Both alpha 6 and beta 4 subunits (Ln receptors) expressed primarily on the glandular epithelium, while glandular, stromal and luminal cells expressed predominantly alpha 4 (Fn receptor) and beta 3 (Vn receptor). The appearance of alpha 4 and beta 3 ITG subunits was found to be cell and cycle specific. The levels of both alpha 6 and beta 4 increased throughout the menstrual cycle, while beta 3 subunit appeared abruptly on cycle day 19/20. The immunostaining for alpha 4 and beta 3 was absent in 90% of infertile women. The timing of expression of alpha 4 and beta 3, the two cycle--dependent ITGs framed the putative window of implantation and suggests a role in the diagnosis of infertility. In conclusion, the absence of alpha 4 and beta 3 ITG expression in the endometrium of infertility subjects during mid luteal phase may be associated with defects in uterine function. The defective uterine receptivity may be an unrecognised cause of infertility in these group of women.

Structure determination of the capsular polysaccharide from Vibrio vulnificus strain 6353

Vibrio vulnificus is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium, endemic to brackish waters, which is often isolated from sediments, from the water column or from shellfish. It is associated with wound infections and septicemia in humans and the virulence of V. vulnificus has been strongly associated with encapsulation. The capsular polysaccharide purified from a virulent strain of V. vulnificus 6353 did not show cross reactivity with antibodies to the capsular polysaccharide of a related pathogenic strain of V. vulnificus (MO6-24) the structure of which was recently reported. NMR spectroscopic analysis of the purified polysaccharide from strain 6353 showed that the polymer is composed of four sugar residues per repeating subunit including 2,6-dideoxy-2-N-acetylamino-alpha-D-glucose (QuiNAc), 2-deoxy-2-N-acetylamino-alpha-D-galactose (alpha-D-GalNAc), 2-deoxy-2-N-acetylamino-alpha-D-galcturonic acid (alpha-D-GalNAcA) and 2-N-acetylamino-alpha-D-glucuronamide (alpha-D-GlcNAcANH2). The 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra were completely assigned by homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Sugar types and anomeric configurations were determined from proton homonuclear coupling constants and glycosidic linkages were determined from 1H-13C heteronuclear multiple bond correlation spectra. Sugar identities were confirmed by high performance anion-exchange chromatography and absolute configurations were determined by gas chromatography in combination with molecular modeling and NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the polysaccharide repeating unit is: [-->4)-alpha-D-GalpNAc-(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalpNAcA-(1-->3)-alpha-D-++ +QuipNAc-(1-->]n alpha-D-GlcpNAcANH2 (1-->4)- -->. While there are some common features shared among the structures of the capsular polysaccharides of pathogenic strains of V. vulnificus, there are distinct differences in the detailed structures.

Novel euglycemic and hypolipidemic agents: Part-2. Antioxidant moiety as structural motif

Several thiazolidinediones having antioxidant moities in their structural motif have been synthesised and evaluated for their euglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. A few of them have been found to be superior to troglitazone.

Integrin cell adhesion molecules on human spermatozoa

The expression of integrin cell adhesion molecules (ITG-CAMs) by human ejaculated spermatozoa (fresh, capacitated and acrosome reacted) was evaluated by immunocytochemical, immunofluorescence and cell-ELIS methods, using monoclonal antibodies against alpha-6 and beta-3 subunits. Both the subunits were expressed on the acrosome region in fresh spermatozoa and post acrosomal region after acrosome reaction induced by calcium ionophore. The spermatozoa of the fertile men showed significantly (P < 0.001) higher expression of alpha-6 and beta-3 ITG subunits than the subfertile men. The percentage of spermatozoa reacting with alpha-6 and beta-3 mAbs increased significantly after the loss of acrosome when compared with fresh spermatozoa. Moreover, 35-40% of spermatozoa with normal shape and none of the spermatozoa with pathological shape showed a positive reaction. The quantitative analysis carried out by ELISA suggests that the levels of these ITG subunits decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the subfertile subjects when compared with the fertile and the difference was more for alpha-6 than the beta-3. Hence our result suggests that alpha-6 subunit may be used as a clinical marker to evaluate the sperm quality in men.

Pulmonary lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defenses during exhaustive physical exercise: the role of vitamin E and selenium

Physical exercise is known to induce oxidative stress leading to the generation of free radicals. This increased generation of free radicals might lead to lipid peroxidation and tissue damage, more so under deficient/impaired antioxidant states. In the present study, we report the role of vitamin E and selenium (Se) during exercise-induced oxidative stress in the pulmonary tissue. Vitamin E and/or Se deficiency in female albino rats resulted in generation of free radicals as revealed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra in the lung tissue, indicating the onset of oxidative stress. When these animals were subjected to a single bout of exhaustive exercise, there was an additional increase in the generation of oxy-free radicals, which might lead to tissue damage. However, no such signals were recorded in the lung tissue of vitamin E- and Se-supplemented animals, when subjected to a similar exercise program, suggesting that protection is offered by vitamin E and Se in combating oxidative stress.

Brachial plexus and related lesions after median sternotomy

A prospective study was undertaken in 459 cases, undergoing open heart surgery which necessitated media sternotomy, to see the frequency of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve related complications in the upper limbs. Seven cases (1.53) had such complications. These included lower trunk injury (3 cases), ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (3 cases), and radical neuropathy at the level of radical groove (one case). The youngest patient was aged 12 years and the remaining 6 patients were more than 30 years of age. There was no relation between the type of heart disease and these complications. The difference between patients with or without preparation of the internal mammary artery for graft was not significant. All the complications occurred on the left side. Ulnar and radical nerve palsy could be due to the positioning of the left limb. The barchial plexus injury was related to retraction of the sternum during operation. AA : Y.

Resazurin reduction test to evaluate semen quality

The resazurin test (REZ TEST) was performed on semen samples obtained from 75 untreated subfertile and 10 pregnancy confirmed fertile males. The results were compared with other sperm parameters to assess the quality of semen. The highest correlation of REZ grade was with motile sperm (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), sperm viability (r = 0.80, P < 0.001) and sperm concentration (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). The REZ grade indicated significant difference in the rate of positive tests between samples from fertile males and patients exhibiting abnormal semen parameters. The RES TEST had a positive predictive value of 93.75% for a progressives motile sperm concentration of > 20 x 106/ml and a negative predictive power of 88.7% for the same variable at a criterion value of 10 x 106/ml. It is suggested that REZ TEST can be performed with a relatively small volume of semen, it is easy to perform and requires no technical equipments.

Enhanced production of LTB4 and free radicals in rat lung by exhaustive physical exercise

Leukotrienes formed by the action of 5-lipoxygenase on arachidonic acid are a group of endogenous compounds active in hypersensitivity reactions and inflammation. In this report the formation of LTB4 from LTA4 was measured by incubating lung microsomes from normal and exercised rats to determine whether LTB4 may have a role in the mediation of exercise-induced oxidant stress. Exhaustive exercise in the form of swimming results in the enhanced production of LTB4 in lung microsomes. Further, free radicals measured by ESR spectroscopy were also significantly increased in lung tissue from exercised rats. These results suggest a role for LTB4 in the mediation of lung tissue damage during exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Synchronization of two passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber lasers by an acousto-optic modulator and grating scheme

We synchronize two passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber lasers by adjusting only the cavity length to correct both the repetition rate and the phase. The interlaser jitter is less than 6 ps (1.3 times the pulse width) and is extracted from the cross correlation of the two lasers. The lock can be maintained for extended periods of time. These results are obtained by use of a novel acousto-optic-modulator-grating scheme, which provides an equivalent of 300 microm in cavity length tuning with a bandwidth of 10 kHz. These parameters are 30 times the length and 10 times the bandwidth of a typical piezoelectric transducer.

Spermicidal activity of Magainins: in vitro and in vivo studies

Spermicidal efficacy of two synthetic antimicrobial peptides, viz. Magainin-A (Mag-A) and Magainin-G (Mag-G), have been studied under in vitro condition using rat and human spermatozoa. The data showed that sperm motility was inhibited with various concentrations of Magainins at different intervals ranging from 20 to 480 seconds as compared to controls. The minimum concentration of Mag-A required to immobilize spermatozoa (40-60 x 10(6)/ml of saline) within 20 seconds was found to be 100 micrograms in rat and 200 micrograms in human. The action of Mags on sperm motility was observed to be dose-dependent. The activity of Mag-A was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Mag-G (P < 0.05). The in vivo studies in rats indicated that Mag-A when applied intravaginally, on the day of estrus, at the dose level of 200 micrograms, for five consecutive estrous cycles, induced no abnormalities either in the length of estrous cycle or in morphology of vaginal epithelial cells. When Mag-A was applied intravaginally before mating on the proestrusestrus day, complete arrest of sperm motility with 200 micrograms concentration was observed and none of these treated females conceived after the mating. In view of these facts, it is suggested that Mag-A, having anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and spermicidal activities, could be a potent vaginal contraceptive.

Induction of Ya1 subunit of rat hepatic glutathione S-transferases by exercise-induced oxidative stress

Adult female rats subjected to exercise training in the form of swimming daily (for 20 min initially with gradual increase up to 90 min within a week) for 130 days showed a significant elevation of liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity when compared to controls. Electrophoresis and Western blot analysis of cytosolic as well as affinity-purified hepatic glutathione S-transferases revealed the induction of Ya-sized subunit in exercise-trained animals. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of affinity-purified GSTs further revealed that Ya-sized subunits in control animals consisted of predominantly Ya2, whereas the trained animals displayed a dramatic 4.3-fold increase in Ya1. The GSTs of exercise-trained animals showed increased peroxidase activity when compared to corresponding controls, which is consistent with the changes in sub-unit composition. This could be a response to the physiological oxidative stress induced by physical exercise.

High-power erbium-doped fiber laser mode locked by a semiconductor saturable absorber

Using an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) passively mode locked by a semiconductor saturable absorber, we generate 5.5-ps pulses of a 2.3-nJ/pulse, which are more than three times higher in energy than for other reported EDFL's. We show that, by introduction of a linear loss element within the cavity, multiple pulsing behavior at high pump powers can be suppressed. We also determine the saturable-absorber characteristics-absorbance versus wavelength near band gap-that are necessary to produce short mode-locked pulses.

Effect of prolactin on accessory sex organs of prepuberal male albino rats: an in vitro study

The in vitro studies on the effect of hypophysial gonadotropins (PRL, FSH, LH) on the maturation events of accessory sex organs in prepuberal male rats revealed that prolactin (PRL) alone has both direct as well as androgen mediated effect on the maturation activities. The effect of PRL is age dependent and it had higher activation on the gland system than the duct system.

Progressive cranial suture stenosis in craniosynostosis

Despite the growing literature on various types of single suture craniosynostosis, very little information is available on the progression of the synostotic process. This article reports on a group of patients who presented with fusion of a single suture that progressed over the years to involve multiple sutures. Other patients who presented with delayed holocalvarial synostosis are also discussed. Surgery (multiple craniectomies or morcellation procedure) resulted in symptomatic relief in all patients. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications of these types of craniosynostosis are discussed.

Complete analysis of the cytochrome components of beef heart mitochondria in terms of spectra and redox properties. Cytochromes aa3

Using newer techniques of data collection that accumulate entire spectra at a series of discrete voltages and newer techniques of analysis that utilize the additional data, we have re-examined the redox behavior and corresponding difference spectra of redox centers responsible for the alpha absorbance features of cytochromes aa3 in beef heart mitochondria. Our analysis reveals three Nernstian components with Em values of 200, 260, and 340 mV with n values of 2, 2, and 1, respectively. The maximum alpha absorbance in the difference spectra for each of these species is located at 602, 605, and 607 nm respectively. Titrations in the presence of carbon monoxide led to the identification of the lowest voltage species as cytochrome a3. The Em of the carbon monoxide-liganded species was not raised. This is contrary to the result expected when a ligand has a much stronger affinity for the reduced form of a redox couple than the oxidized form. It is, however, consistent with a proton-pumping model of cytochrome oxidase in which the binding of ligand results in the dissociation of protons.

Complete analysis of the cytochrome components of beef heart mitochondria in terms of spectra and redox properties. The c1-cytochromes

Using newer techniques for conducting and analyzing potentiometric titrations, we have studied the thermodynamic and spectral properties of cytochrome c1 in beef heart mitochondria. We find two species of cytochrome c1, both with n = 2 values for the number of electrons involved in their oxidation or reduction. One has an Em approximately 210 mV and a spectral peak near 555 nm and the other has an Em approximately 255 mV and a spectral peak nearer 553 nm. These Em values are pH-independent in the range of pH 6 to 8. The Em and n values of these two components are indistinguishable from those of two species of cytochrome aa3 (i.e. spectral feature of 605 nm).

Analysis of the spectra and redox properties of pure cytochromes aa3

The findings in the current studies with pure cytochrome aa3 confirm the findings in an accompanying paper pertaining to cytochrome aa3 in mitochondria (Reddy et al., 1985). In both cases, three Nernstian titrations are seen with Em values near 200, 260, 340 mV with n values of 2, 2, and 1. Similarly, the alpha absorption features of the difference spectra in both cases were centered near 602, 605, and 607 mn. The component with Em approximately 200 mV was identified as heme a3 on the basis of experiments conducted in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide, and in both cases, the carbon monoxide-liganded species did not display an elevated Em. In the current studies, unique Soret absorbance features are added to the difference spectra for the three Nernstian transitions. Specifically, absorption peaks at 429, 446, and 448 nm go with the alpha peaks seen respectively at 602, 605, and 607 nm. Evidence was presented to support the hypothesis that the redox state of heme alpha may control the redox potential of heme a3.

Effect of prolactin and bromocriptine administration on epididymal function--a biochemical study in rats

The pattern of androgen dependent enzyme activities of epididymis was studied after the administration of prolactin and bromocriptine in albino rats. Prolactin activated the glycogenolysis and hexose mono and diphosphate pathways, which would be essential for sperm maturation. But bromocriptine inhibited these activities of epididymis. Hence role of bromocriptine in decreasing epididymal function has been suggested.

Complete analysis of the cytochrome components of beef heart mitochondria in terms of spectra and redox properties. The b-type cytochromes

The b-cytochromes of beef heart mitochondria have been analyzed by procedures which use optical spectra rather than two points for each cytochrome species. The analytical procedures included first derivatives for background behavior, second derivatives for peak features, and singular value decomposition (Shrager, R.I., and Hendler, R.W. (1982) Anal. Chem. 54, 1147-1152) for the entire spectra. Titrations were performed by electrical oxidation and reduction and by chemical reduction. Four b-cytochromes have been identified in terms of their unique difference spectra, midpoint potentials (Em), and number of electrons transferred (n). They are cytochrome bK, Em = 83 mV, n = 1; cytochrome bT2, Em = -17 mV, n = 2; cytochrome bT1; Em = -95 mV, n = 1; and cytochrome b562L, Em = -146 mV, n = 4. The Em values of cytochromes bT1, bT2, and b562L respond to changes in pH indicating a loss of one proton per oxidation. Antimycin and/or ATP do not affect the spectrum or Em value of any of the cytochromes. An apparent red shift for the absorption maximum of cytochrome bK caused by antimycin may be due to an increased level of reduction of cytochrome bT2.

Effect of bilateral vasectomy on testicular metabolism in albino rats

The adult Wistar strain albino rats were vasectomised by conventional method and maintained for six months. The vasectomized rat testis had elevated water content with depleted dry matter. Glycogen content was increased with indication of mobilization of hexoses into HMP pathway. The vasectomized rat testis showed preferential utilisation of triglycerides. In view of increased 3 beta-HSD and 17 beta-HSD activities, accelerated androgenesis was envisaged in vasectomized rat testis.

Effect of Combinations of Fresh and Frozen Beef on Microbial Flora of Ground Beef Patties

Beef patties composed of fresh beef, blast frozen beef or combinations of fresh and frozen beef were then frozen by liquid nitrogen (LN₂) or liquid carbon dioxide (LCO₂) and stored at -20 C for 6 months. Analyses for various bacteria were made at monthly intervals to evaluate effects of originally combining fresh and frozen beef on the subsequent microbial flora. Of the different combinations of fresh and frozen meat, the mixture in a 50:50 ratio produced highest bacterial numbers during frozen storage. Lowest bacterial counts resulted from use of fresh beef with no blast frozen meat but frozen subsequently with LN₂ or LCO₂.

Thyroid abnormalities following neck irradiation for Hodgkin's disease

Thyroid function and scans were evaluated in fifty disease-free patients 2 to 16 years after receiving neck irradiation for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease. Twenty-five of 50 patients had abnormal thyroid studies: eight were hypothyroid, two were hypothyroid and had abnormal scans, and fifteen had abnormal scans. Of the 15 patients with abnormal scans, one had an isolated elevation of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and one developed exophthalmos. These data, obtained within a relatively short follow-up period, indicate that morphologic and functional abnormalities of the thyroid gland are not uncommon in patients who have received irradiation to the thyroid gland in the course of treatment for Hodgkin's disease. There is need for continuous reevaluation of the thyroid status in such patients.