Axisymmetric solutions to Einstein field equations via integral transforms

In this paper, we present new axisymmetric and reflection symmetric vacuum solutions to the Einstein field equations. They are obtained using the Hankel integral transform method and all three solutions exhibit naked singularities. Our results further reinforce the importance and special character of axisymmetric solutions in general relativity and highlight the role of integral transforms methods in solving complex problems in this field. We compare our results to already existing solutions which exhibit the same type of singularities. In this context we notice that most known axial-symmetric solutions possess naked singularities. A discussion of characteristic features of the newly found metrics, e.g., blueshift and the geometry of the singularities, is given.

Addressing pollination deficits in orchard crops through habitat management for wild pollinators

There is increasing evidence that farmers in many areas are achieving below maximum yields due to insufficient pollination. Practical and effective approaches are needed to maintain wild pollinator populations within agroecosystems so they can deliver critical pollination services that underpin crop production. We established nesting and wildflower habitat interventions in 24 UK apple orchards and measured effects on flower-visiting insects and the pollination they provide, exploring how this was affected by landscape context. We quantified the extent of pollination deficits and assessed whether the management of wild pollinators can reduce deficits and deliver improved outcomes for growers over 3 years. Wildflower interventions increased solitary bee numbers visiting apple flowers by over 20%, but there was no effect of nesting interventions. Other pollinator groups were influenced by both local and landscape-scale factors, with bumblebees and hoverflies responding to the relative proportion of semi-natural habitat at larger spatial scales (1000 m), while honeybees and other flies responded at 500 m or less. By improving fruit number and quality, pollinators contributed more than £16 k per hectare. However, deficits (where maximum potential was not being reached due to a lack of pollination) were recorded and the extent of these varied across orchards, and from year to year, with a 22% deficit in output in the worst (equivalent to ~£14 k/ha) compared to less than 3% (equivalent to ~£2 k/ha) in the best year. Although no direct effect of our habitat interventions on deficits in gross output was observed, initial fruit set and seed set deficits were reduced by abundant bumblebees, and orchards with a greater abundance of solitary bees saw lower deficits in fruit size. The abundance of pollinators in apple orchards is influenced by different local and landscape factors that interact and vary between years. Consequently, pollination, and the extent of economic output deficits, also vary between orchards and years. We highlight how approaches, including establishing wildflower areas and optimizing the ratio of cropped and non-cropped habitats can increase the abundance of key apple pollinators and improve outcomes for growers.

Performance of the SABAT Neutron-Based Explosives Detector Integrated with an Unmanned Ground Vehicle: A Simulation Study

The effective and safe detection of illicit materials, explosives in particular, is currently of growing importance taking into account the geopolitical situation and increasing risk of a terrorist attack. The commonly used methods of detection are based predominantly on metal detectors and georadars, which show only the shapes of the possible dangerous objects and do not allow for exact identification and risk assessment. A supplementary or even alternative method may be based on neutron activation analysis, which provides the possibility of a stoichiometric analysis of the suspected object and its non-invasive identification. One such sensor is developed by the SABAT collaboration, with its primary application being underwater threat detection. In this article, we present performance studies of this sensor, integrated with a mobile robot, in terms of the minimal detectable quantity of commonly used explosives in different environmental conditions. The paper describes the functionality of the used platform considering electronics, sensors, onboard computing power, and communication system to carry out manual operation and remote control. Robotics solutions based on modularized structures allow the extension of sensors and effectors that can significantly improve the safety of personnel as well as work efficiency, productivity, and flexibility.

On the Eigenvalues of the Fermionic Angular Eigenfunctions in the Kerr Metric

In view of a result recently published in the context of the deformation theory of linear Hamiltonian systems, we reconsider the eigenvalue problem associated with the angular equation arising after the separation of the Dirac equation in the Kerr metric, and we show how a quasilinear first order PDE for the angular eigenvalues can be derived efficiently. We also prove that it is not possible to obtain an ordinary differential equation for the eigenvalues when the role of the independent variable is played by the particle energy or the black hole mass. Finally, we construct new perturbative expansions for the eigenvalues in the Kerr case and obtain an asymptotic formula for the eigenvalues in the case of a Kerr naked singularity.

Establishment and management of wildflower areas for insect pollinators in commercial orchards

Sown wildflower areas are increasingly recommended as an agri-environmental intervention measure, but evidence for their success is limited to particular insect groups or hampered by the challenges of establishing seed mixes and maintaining flower abundance over time. We conducted a replicated experiment to establish wildflower areas to support insect pollinators in apple orchards. Over three years, and across 23 commercial UK orchards with and without sown wildflowers, we conducted 828 transect surveys across various non-crop habitats. We found that the abundance of flower-visiting solitary bees, bumblebees, honeybees, and beetles was increased in sown wildflower areas, compared with existing non-crop habitats in control orchards, from the second year following floral establishment. Abundance of hoverflies and other non-syrphid flies was increased in wildflower areas from the first year. Beyond the effect of wildflower areas, solitary bee abundance was also positively related to levels of floral cover in other local habitats within orchards, but neither local nor wider landscape-scale context affected abundance of other studied insect taxa within study orchards. There was a change in plant community composition on the sown wildflower areas between years, and in patterns of flowering within and between years, showing a succession from unsown weedy species towards a dominance of sown species over time. We discuss how the successful establishment of sown wildflower areas and delivery of benefits for different insect taxa relies on appropriate and reactive management practices as a key component of any such agri-environment scheme.

Performance of Gem Premier blood gas/electrolyte analyzer evaluated

We evaluated a new analyzer designed for point-of-care testing of blood gases, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, and hematocrit. The Gem Premier (Mallinckrodt) system has two components: the analyzer and a disposable cartridge. Analysis takes place in the cartridge, which contains the electrochemical sensors, the calibrants, the reagents, the sampling stylus, and the waste container. The system was evaluated for imprecision and accuracy. With aqueous control materials, total imprecision (CV) was: pH, 0.10-0.18%; PCO2, 3.16-5.78%; PO2, 2.92-4.85%; sodium, 0.82-1.44%; potassium, 1.35-1.48%; ionized calcium, 0.75-1.45%; and hematocrit, 1.13-1.83%. Accuracy of the system was assessed by split-sample comparison with the Radiometer ABL 330 blood gas analyzer for pH and blood gases, the Nova Stat Profile 5 for whole-blood electrolyte and hematocrit analysis, and the IL Phoenix for plasma electrolyte analysis. After outlier correction, regression statistics were excellent for all analytes except sodium, which demonstrated Sy[x values between 1.80 and 2.30 mmol/L and 0.85 < or = r < 0.90.

Quantitative Ultrasound Measurement at the Hand Phalanges Does Not Reveal Skeletal Disturbances in Children With Bronchial Asthma: A Longitudinal Observation

OBJECTIVES

To assess the skeletal status in asthmatic children treated with inhaled corticosteroids in a longitudinal observation by quantitative ultrasound (US) measurement at the hand phalanges.

METHODS

Thirty-four children were studied prospectively. Quantitative US measurements were performed at baseline and after a mean ± SD of 2.35 ± 0.20 years. The obtained results were compared to age-, sex-, and body size-matched control participants selected from a database of previously examined healthy children. Individual changes in the amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) during the follow-up period were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the asthmatic children was 10.6 ± 2.5 years. The mean Ad-SoS in the asthmatic children at baseline was 1940.5 ± 49.6 m/s, and the mean Z score was -0.26 ± 0.80. Corresponding values at the follow-up examination were 1976.2 ± 63.6 m/s and -0.18 ± 1.16. The results did not differ significantly in comparison to the healthy controls. The analysis of individual changes in Ad-SoS revealed that 18 participants had a significant increase in this parameter (ie, exceeding the least significant change threshold), and 16 did not have a significant change in their values. No one had a significant decrease in Ad-SoS.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative US at the hand phalanges applied as a diagnostic tool revealed no essential differences in the pattern of skeletal development between asthmatic children treated with inhaled glucocorticosteroids and healthy controls.

Wildlife-friendly farming increases crop yield: evidence for ecological intensification

Ecological intensification has been promoted as a means to achieve environmentally sustainable increases in crop yields by enhancing ecosystem functions that regulate and support production. There is, however, little direct evidence of yield benefits from ecological intensification on commercial farms growing globally important foodstuffs (grains, oilseeds and pulses). We replicated two treatments removing 3 or 8% of land at the field edge from production to create wildlife habitat in 50–60 ha patches over a 900 ha commercial arable farm in central England, and compared these to a business as usual control (no land removed). In the control fields, crop yields were reduced by as much as 38% at the field edge. Habitat creation in these lower yielding areas led to increased yield in the cropped areas of the fields, and this positive effect became more pronounced over 6 years. As a consequence, yields at the field scale were maintained—and, indeed, enhanced for some crops—despite the loss of cropland for habitat creation. These results suggested that over a 5-year crop rotation, there would be no adverse impact on overall yield in terms of monetary value or nutritional energy. This study provides a clear demonstration that wildlife-friendly management which supports ecosystem services is compatible with, and can even increase, crop yields.

Defining the histopathological changes induced by nonablative radiofrequency treatment of faecal incontinence--a blinded assessment in an animal model

AIM

Nonablative radiofrequency (RF) sphincter remodelling has been used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and faecal incontinence (FI). Its mechanism of action is unclear. We aimed to investigate the histomorphological and pathophysiological changes to the internal and external anal sphincter (IAS and EAS) following RF remodelling.

METHOD

An experimental FI model was created in 12 female pigs: eight underwent RF 6 weeks following induction of FI (FI+RF) and four were untreated (UFI). Four animals served as controls (CG). Two blinded pathologists examined all haematoxylin and eosin and trichrome stained slides.

RESULTS

Compared with the UFI group, histological examination of the IAS in the FI+RF group demonstrated an increased smooth muscle (SM)/connective tissue ratio (77.2 vs 68.1%, P < 0.05) and increased collagen I compared with collagen III content (67.2 vs 54.9%, P < 0.001). The RF+FI group exhibited greater SM bundle thickness compared with the UFI group (SM width 486.93 vs 338.59 μm, P < 0.01; height 4384.4 vs 3321.0 μm, P < 0.05). The EAS of the FI+RF animals showed a significantly higher type I/II fibre ratio (33.5 vs 25.2%, P = 0.023) and fibre type I diameter (67.2 vs 59.7 μm, P < 0.001) compared with the UFI group. Post-RF manometry showed higher basal (18.8 vs 0 mmHg, P < 0.001) and squeeze (76.8 vs 12.4 mmHg, P < 0.05) anal pressures. After RF treatment, the number of interstitial cells of Cajal was significantly reduced compared with the UFI and CG groups [0.9 (FI+RF) vs 6.7 (UFI) vs 0.7 (CG) per mm(2) , P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

In an animal model nonablative RF appeared to induce morphological changes in the IAS and EAS leading to an anatomical state reminiscent of normal sphincter structure.

Wildlife-friendly farming benefits rare birds, bees and plants

Agricultural intensification is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, especially for threatened and near-threatened species. One widely implemented response is 'wildlife-friendly farming', involving the close integration of conservation and extensive farming practices within agricultural landscapes. However, the putative benefits from this controversial policy are currently either unknown or thought unlikely to extend to rare and declining species. Here, we show that new, evidence-based approaches to habitat creation on intensively managed farmland in England can achieve large increases in plant, bee and bird species. In particular, we found that habitat enhancement methods designed to provide the requirements of sensitive target biota consistently increased the richness and abundance of both rare and common species, with 10-fold to greater than 100-fold more rare species per sample area than generalized conventional conservation measures. Furthermore, targeting landscapes of high species richness amplified beneficial effects on the least mobile taxa: plants and bees. Our results provide the first unequivocal support for a national wildlife-friendly farming policy and suggest that this approach should be implemented much more extensively to address global biodiversity loss. However, to be effective, these conservation measures must be evidence-based, and developed using sound knowledge of the ecological requirements of key species.

Assessment of skeletal status by quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges in children with bronchial asthma--a pilot study

The aim of the study was to assess the skeletal status by quantitative ultrasound measurement at hand phalanges in asthmatic children treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Sixty-nine (69) children with a mean age of 10.9 ± 2.6 y and 251 controls matched for age and body size were enrolled into the study. The mean value of amplitude-dependent speed of sound in asthmatic children was 1953.8 ± 60.2 m/s and the mean Z-score was -0.05 ± 1.02; the corresponding values in the controls were 1951.0 ± 53.9 m/s and -0.26 ± 1.05, respectively. The results did not differ between the asthmatic and the healthy (control) children. A cumulative dose of inhaled steroids was identified in a stepwise regression analysis as a factor with potentially negative influence on bone status. In conclusion, the skeletal status in asthmatic children, assessed by quantitative ultrasound, shows no difference in comparison with healthy children. Nonetheless, special caution is necessary in case of long-term corticosteroid therapy, in which a slightly negative influence of treatment on the skeleton cannot be excluded.

Doppler guided haemorrhoidal arterial ligation with recto-anal-repair (RAR) for the treatment of advanced haemorrhoidal disease

OBJECTIVE

A modification of Doppler guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) to include the addition of recto-anal repair is reported. Preliminary results of function and safety of third and fourth degree haemorrhoidals are given.

METHOD

Thirty patients underwent DGHAL combined with recto-anal-repair (RAR). Each had rectal examination, anorectal manometry and Quality of Life assessment before and 3 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. There were three (10.34%) patients of intra-operative and one (3.45%) of postoperative bleeding. Three months after RAR (17.24%) patients with minor residual mucosal prolapse were detected, three (10.34%) patients reported residual symptoms. There was no case of recurrent bleeding. Anal manometry at 3 months after RAR was significantly lower than before the procedure (P < 0.05). One (3.45%) patient reported occasional soiling 3 months after RAR.

CONCLUSION

Recto-anal-repair is safe in treating third and fourth degree haemorrhoids with no major complications and low rate of residual disease.

Immune responses in autoimmune hepatitis: effect of prednisone and azathioprine treatment: case report

The role of the immune response in autoimmune hepatitis has not been studied before and after prednisone and azathioprine treatment. Distributions of blood lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD23+, CD16/56+), levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgE, IgA) and cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-12, TNFalpha ) were studied in a child (f/14 y/o) with autoimmune hepatitis before and after prednisone (20 mg/d) and azathioprine (50 mg/d) treatment (nephelometry, UniCAP Total IgE Fluoroenzymeimmunoassay, flow cytometry, cytokine ELISA). Patient was studied for 0-2.5 yrs; treatment was initiated 12 weeks post diagnosis. Numbers of CD4+ T cells increased (50%), while CD19+ and CD23+ cells decreased (>50%) post treatment; other lymphocyte subsets were unaffected by treatment. Serum IgG and IgE levels decreased (>50%) after treatment; serum IgM and IgA were within normal range and were not affected by treatment High levels of IFN-gamma (5-23 pg/ml) were initially detected in serum, which decreased after treatment (<0.1 pg/ml). Furthermore, low levels of IL-4 (0.2 pg/mL) were detected before treatment, which were not detected after treatment (<0.1 pg/ml). In contrast, before treatment, IL-12 and TNFalpha were not detected in serum; however after treatment the levels of IL-12 and TNFalpha dramatically increased. Prednisone and azathioprine treatment decreased total serum IgG, IgE, IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels, and blood CD19+ and CD23+ cells; however serum IL-12, TNFalpha and blood CD4+ T cells increased with treatment. Understanding immunomodulation in autoimmune hepatitis will provide better insight and mechanisms of this disease and may tailor more effective therapeutic intervention.

The role of orexin A in the control of prolactin and growth hormone secretions in sheep--in vitro study

Orexin A may play a special role in animals' sensitivity to the day length changes such as sheep. The localization of mRNA for prepro-orexin in the ovine hypothalamus was found to correspond to the pattern described in rodents. The results of that research also showed that the expression of the orexin gene depends on the length of a day and is higher during short days. Other study revealed that mRNA for orexin receptors (OxR)1 and OxR2 shows strong expression in the anterior, intermediate and posterior pituitary lobes of the rat. In addition, it was also found that in the anterior pituitary, OxR1 is more strongly expressed than OxR2. These observations indicate that the pituitary gland is capable of receiving the orexin signal. The aim of the study was to determine the interaction of season and orexin A on PRL and GH secretion by pituitary explants in short-term culture. Studies were carried out on pituitaries explants collected from lactating Polish Longwool sheep during the long (LD, May, n=5) and short day (SD, December, n=5). Glands were transected saggitally into halves, with each incubated in 2.5 ml of M-199 for 180-min in medium containing either 0 or 1000 ng/ml of orexin A. Treatment with orexin during LD increased significantly the secretion of PRL (P < 0.01) and GH (P < 0.05), compared to controls. In cultures from glands collected during SD, orexin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the secretion of both hormones, compared to controls. We conclude that the secretion of PRL and GH from the ovine pituitary gland is negatively responsive to orexin A during SD; whereas orexin may stimulate PRL and GH secretion during LD.

IgE anti-Borrelia burgdorferi components (p18, p31, p34, p41, p45, p60) and increased blood CD8+CD60+ T cells in children with Lyme disease

Immunoglobulin (Ig) E may provide immunity against Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease) in children which lasts throughout adulthood. We investigated the presence and persistence of IgE anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies (Abs) in paediatric patients infected with Lyme disease over time. Serum immunoglobulin levels, presence of IgG and IgE anti-B. burgdorferi components, and distributions of blood T, B and natural killer lymphocyte subsets were studied in B. burgdorferi-infected and -uninfected children (nephelometry, UniCAP Total IgE Fluoroenzymeimmunoassay, Western blot, flow cytometry). Total serum IgM, IgG, IgE and IgA levels, and distributions of blood lymphocytes (CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+)) of both groups, excluding CD8(+)CD60(+) T cells, were within normal ranges. However, infected, but not uninfected children made IgG anti-B. burgdorferi proteins p18, p31, p34, p41, p45, but not IgG anti-p60, and IgE anti-B. burgdorferi proteins p31, p34, p41, p45, p60, but not IgE anti-p18. These proteins were also detected in an infected child 1 year post-infection. Interestingly, CD8(+)CD60(+) T-cell numbers were significantly increased (fourfold) in infected, compared with uninfected, patients (P=0.001). These results demonstrate that specific IgE anti-B. burgdorferi Abs are generated and persist in children with Lyme disease and that CD8(+)CD60(+) T cells may play an important role in these responses.

Polyphasic study of Chryseobacterium strains isolated from diseased aquatic animals

Members of most Chryseobacterium species occur in aquatic environments or food products, while strains of some other species are pathogenic to humans and animals. A collection of 52 Chryseobacterium sp. strains isolated from diseased fish, one frog isolate and 22 reference strains were included in a polyphasic taxonomy study. Fourteen clusters of strains were delineated following the comparison of whole-cell protein profiles. Most of these clusters were confirmed when the phenotypic and RAPD profiles and the 16S rRNA gene sequences were compared. Fatty acid composition helped differentiate the Chryseobacterium strains from members of related genera. None of the fish isolates could be allocated to the two species previously reported from fish but two isolates belonged to C. joostei, while the frog isolate was identified as Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, a human pathogen previously included in the genus Chryseobacterium. Three clusters grouping from 3 to 13 isolates will probably constitute the core of new Chryseobacterium species but all other isolates occupied separate or uncertain positions in the genus. This study further demonstrated the overall high similarity displayed by most Chryseobacterium strains whatever the technique used and the resulting difficulty in delineating new species in the genus. Members of this bacterial group should be considered potential emergent pathogens in various fish and frog species, farming conditions and geographical areas.

[Symptoms of anxiety and depression in atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome]

The presence of chronic disease is a risk factor for the development of mood disturbances and panic disorders. They can influence the course of disease and effectiveness of therapy. Depression may be the cause of making light doctor's advice. Anxious patients often aggravate symptoms of the disease.

AIM

To study symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (ZAZS). Material. We studied 38 patients suffering from adequately controlled moderate ZAZS and 62 volunteers in the control group.

METHODS

Mental status of subjects was assessed by means of State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires.

RESULTS

ZAZS patients demonstrated higher intensity of anxiety (as a trait and as a state) than healthy subjects. Intensity and prevalence of depression in the atopic eczema/ dermatitis syndrome group was higher than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients suffering from atopic/eczema dermatitis syndrome are pre-disposed to anxiety and depression manifestation. Even adequately controlled symptoms of atopic/eczema dermatitis syndrome may be the cause of those disturbances' occurrence.

Assessment of platelet activity as expressed by plasma levels of platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Blood platelet significance in inflammation is recognized but poorly characterized in urticaria. It is known that platelets are activated during inflammatory processes and are involved in modulating inflammatory and immune response via various mediator release. The aim of our study was to investigate the functional state of platelets, expressed by release reaction of C-X-C chemokines such as platelet factor 4 (PF-4) and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Plasma levels of PF-4 and beta-TG, which are established markers of in vivo platelet activation and which play important role in inflammatory processes, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 19 patients with CIU and in 25 healthy subjects. Mean plasma PF-4 level in CIU patients and control subjects was 5.01 +/- 1.67 and 4.13 +/- 2.05 IU/ml, respectively, whereas that for beta-TG was 29.3 +/- 14.0 and 25.2 +/- 12.6 IU/ml, respectively. In our small study, there have been no significant differences found between the members of the control and CIU group regarding plasma levels of PF-4 and beta-TG. Further studies should be performed to elucidate whether any systemic platelet activation occurs in CIU.

Pharmacokinetics and lung tissue concentrations of tulathromycin in swine

The absolute bioavailability and lung tissue distribution of the triamilide antimicrobial, tulathromycin, were investigated in swine. Fifty-six pigs received 2.5 mg/kg of tulathromycin 10% formulation by either intramuscular (i.m.) or intravenous (i.v.) route in two studies: study A (10 pigs, i.m. and 10 pigs, i.v.) and study B (36 pigs, i.m.). After i.m. administration the mean maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) was 616 ng/mL, which was reached by 0.25 h postinjection (t(max)). The mean apparent elimination half-life (t(1/2)) in plasma was 75.6 h. After i.v. injection plasma clearance (Cl) was 181 mL/kg.h, the volume of distribution at steady-state (V(ss)) was 13.2 L/kg and the elimination t(1/2) was 67.5 h. The systemic bioavailability following i.m. administration was >87% and the ratio of lung drug concentration for i.m. vs. i.v. injection was > or =0.96. Following i.m. administration, a mean tulathromycin concentration of 2840 ng/g was detected in lung tissue at 12 h postdosing. The mean lung C(max) of 3470 ng/g was reached by 24 h postdose (t(max)). Mean lung drug concentrations after 6 and 10 days were 1700 and 1240 ng/g, respectively. The AUC(inf) was 61.4 times greater for the lung than for plasma. The apparent elimination t(1/2) for tulathromycin in the lung was 142 h (6 days). Following i.m. administration to pigs at 2.5 mg/kg body weight, tulathromycin was rapidly absorbed and highly bioavailable. The high distribution to lung and slow elimination following a single dose of tulathromycin, are desirable pharmacokinetic attributes for an antimicrobial drug indicated for the treatment of respiratory disease in swine.

Enhanced Platelet Activation in Patients with Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis Syndrome

Data gathered prove that circulating platelets are activated upon human allergic inflammation, partly as a result of direct IgE-mediated process. It has been indicated that platelets may contribute to pathogenesis of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). Authors of the recent study have investigated systemic platelet activation in patients with AEDS on the basis of blood level of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4), which are recognized markers of platelet activation, also belonging to C-X-C chemokine family. Plasma levels of beta-TG and PF4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in 18 AEDS patients with moderate disease activity and 23 healthy, nonatopic individuals. No differences in peripheral platelet count of the two groups were noted. Only four (33.3%) AEDS patients represented beta-TG and PF4 within the control range; plasma beta-TG and PF4 were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the AEDS group compared as a whole with the control subjects. No association between circulating concentrations of beta-TG or PF4 and total IgE levels in AEDS patients was proved. The results suggest that some patients with AEDS may have enhanced blood platelet activity as expressed by beta-TG and PF4 level.

Disturbances of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) estimated by short-term heart rate variability recordings

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the result of the acid contents regurgitation back from the stomach into the esophagus. According to the endoscopic findings, GERD can be divided into two main forms: non-erosive (NERD) and erosive reflux esophagitis. The pathogenesis of GERD is associated with the impaired function of the antireflux barrier. Disturbances of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), especially parasympathetic part of the ANS, may be also involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of our study was to establish the parasympathetic activity in patients with reflux esophagitis and in patients with symptomatic endoscopically negative reflux. Working hypothesis was the question, whether the possible parasympathetic activity disturbances, which are observed in all GERD patients, may be regarded as the primary or secondary to the esophagitis. All the participants (20 pts. with NERD, 20 pts. with reflux esophagitis and 20 healthy controls) underwent esophageal manometry, 24-hour ambulatory pH-monitoring, resting heart rate variability (HRV) recording and the deep breathing (DB) test with the continuous HRV recording. The results of the spectral analysis both of the short-term, resting HRV recordings and DB-evoked revealed the disturbances of the main power spectra components - LF and HF in both groups of patients in comparison with the control group. In our opinion, the observed HRV spectra changes in both groups of patients support the hypothesis that not only is the parasympathetic activity impairment associated with the pathogenesis of GERD but it is also the primary factor contributing to the pathophysiological mechanism of reflux.

Localisation of focal liver lesions to specific hepatic segments--comparison of multiphase spiral CT and MR imaging

The purpose of this study was an evaluation of the ability of the multiphase spiral CT and MR imaging to localise focal liver lesions referring to specific hepatic segments. The authors studied prospectively 26 focal liver lesions in 26 patients who had undergone spiral CT and MRI before surgery. Multiphase spiral CT included non-contrast scans, hepatic arterial-dominant phase, portal venous--dominant phase and equilibrium phase. MRI was performed in all cases. The following sequences were performed: SE and TSE T1- and T2-weighted images, STIR and dynamic T1-weighted FFE study after i.v. administration of gadolinium (Gd-DTPA). The CT and MR scans were prospectively and independently reviewed by three radiologists for visualisation of hepatic and portal veins and segmental localisation of hepatic lesions. The authors used the right and left main portal veins along with transverse fissura, hepatic veins and gallbladder fossa as landmarks for the tumour localisation to specific hepatic segments. The primary segmental locations of the lesions were correctly determined with CT in 22 of 26 focal liver lesions (85%) and with MR imaging in 24 of 26 lesions (92%). The full extent of lesions was correctly described with sCT in 19 of 26 focal lesions and with MR in 21 of 26 tumours. MRI and CT were helpful preoperative tools for determining the segmental location of focal liver lesions and for planning the surgical approach.

Enhanced release of platelet factor 4 into the circulation in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome

PURPOSE

The active participation of platelet in IgE-mediated inflammatory response is well documented. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), a platelet-specific protein may play an important role in the development of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the activation state of circulating platelets in patients suffering from AEDS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vivo platelet activity was assessed by measuring plasma level of PF4 (enzyme-linked immunoassay method) in 9 males AEDS patients and 11 healthy, nonatopic subjects.

RESULTS

Plasma PF4 was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in AEDS (31.88 +/- 20.48 IU/ml) patients compared with control subjects (2.95 +/- 0.6 IU/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

This result suggests that patients with AEDS may have increased in vivo platelet activation expressed by PF4 release. The aim of the study was to evaluate the activation state of circulating platelets in patients suffering from AEDS.

Newton's laws of motion in the form of a Riccati equation

We discuss two applications of a Riccati equation to Newton's laws of motion. The first one is the motion of a particle under the influence of a power law central potential V(r)=kr(epsilon). For zero total energy we show that the equation of motion can be cast in the Riccati form. We briefly show here an analogy to barotropic Friedmann-Robertson-Lemaitre cosmology where the expansion of the universe can be also shown to obey a Riccati equation. A second application in classical mechanics, where again the Riccati equation appears naturally, are problems involving quadratic friction. We use methods reminiscent to nonrelativistic supersymmetry to generalize and solve such problems.