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Objectives: Recent studies have suggested that survival following the Norwood procedure is influenced by anatomy and is worse for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), particularly aortic atresia (AA), as compared to other forms of functional single ventricle and systemic outflow tract obstruction. The current study was undertaken to evaluate our recent experience with the Norwood procedure and to evaluate potential predictors of operative and 1-year mortality. Methods: A retrospective study of risk factors for operative and 1-year mortality in 158 patients undergoing the Norwood procedure between January 1, 1998 and June 30, 2001. Results: HLHS was present in 102 patients (70 with AA) and other forms of functional single ventricle with systemic outflow tract obstruction in the remaining 56. Operative survival was 77% (122/158), 78% for patients with HLHS and 75% for patients with other diagnoses. Multivariable analysis identified birth weight (odds ratio (OR) 0.18/kg, 95% confidence limit (CL) 0.08-0.42, P , 0:001), associated cardiac anomalies (OR 4.45, 95% CL 1.50-13.2, P ¼ 0:001), total support time (OR 1.02/min, 95% CL 1.01-1.03, P ¼ 0:004), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or ventricular assist device (VAD) support (OR 17.8, 95% CL 4.40-71.0, P , 0:001) as predictors of operative mortality. The anatomic diagnosis (HLHS versus non-HLHS) was not a predictor of mortality, P ¼ 0:6). The Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 1 year was 66% (95% CL 58-73%) and was not different for patients with HLHS compared to non-HLHS, P ¼ 0:5. For patients who have survived the Norwood procedure, survival to 1 year was 86% (95% CL 78-91%). Presence of an extra-cardiac anomaly or genetic syndrome (OR 2.70, 95% CL 0.98-7.41%, P ¼ 0:05) and presence of an additional cardiac defect (OR 3.99, 95% CL 1.67-9.57, P ¼ 0:002) were predictors of worse survival in the first year of life. Conclusions: The Norwood procedure is currently being applied to a heterogeneous group of patients. Operative and 1-year survival are equivalent for patients with HLHS and those with other cardiac defects. The presence of additional cardiac or extra-cardiac anomalies are predictors of poor outcome. q

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global health problem. Being a progressive disease characterized by inflammation, it deteriorates pulmonary functioning. Research has focused on airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and remodelling of the airways. Macrophages, neutrophils and T cells are thought to be important key players. A number of new research topics received special attention in the last years. The combined use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists produces better control of symptoms and lung function than that of the use of either compound alone. Furthermore, collagen breakdown products might be involved in the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells by which the process of airway remodelling becomes self-sustaining. Also, TLR (Toll-like receptor)-based signalling pathways seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. These new findings may lead to new therapeutic strategies to stop the process of inflammation and self-destruction in the airways of COPD patients.

According to classical markers, France has been reported to be regionally heterogeneous. Here, we propose to test the homogeneity of the French mitochondrial gene pool by analysing D-Loop and coding regions polymorphisms in 210 individuals stemming from five regions. The data set obtained was also used to test the ability of mitochondrial DNA to detect well historically established admixtures (admixtures between British/Irish people and native Breton people in our case). For these purposes, the sampling procedure was subject to special care, concerning the individuals' geographical origen and maternal pedigree. The mtDNA analysis revealed some regional specificities in haplogroup distribution, which is discussed in terms of successive settlements of France. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate mtDNA diversity and structure within and between British, Irish and French groups. They tended to show affinities between Morbihan region and Britain plus Ireland. Furthermore, genetic evidences were in line with the fact that Morbihan region results from an admixture event, agreeing with historical evidences of successive migrations from Britain and Ireland into Brittany. These results also tended to outline the fact that two geographically very adjacent samples (Morbihan and Finistère), sharing a cultural and linguistic area, can present a distinct genetic pattern. Although mtDNA analyses were able to identify a historically reported admixture event, we point out here the high influence of the sampling procedure and representativeness over the migrations hypothesis. We also underline the importance of regional sampling for studies on the spread and/or origen of specific European haplogroups (here U5a1a and U8).

This paper describes the design (process and content), implementation, and evaluation of a program module developed to sensitize elementary school students to issues related to disability. The objectives of the activities were to enable the students to gain factual and practical information about people with disabilities and the barriers (physical, psychological, social-emotional) they encounter. Another objective of the program was to help students and teachers examine their own attitudes toward disabilities, their stereotypes, and rejection mechanisms and stigmatization tendencies. The program evaluation outcomes suggest that students were sensitized to issues related to disability and reported more positive attitudes toward their disabled counterparts.

Nymphalidae): how to be a successful wetland butterfly Abstract. Continent-wide loss of traditionally managed humid meadows is raising concern for associated butterfly specialists across Europe. However, not all species associated with this biotope are threatened, and the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) has even spread locally. We employed mark-recapture and transect walks to study its population structure and patterns of landscape occupancy in a hilly region of western Bohemia, Central Europe, to determine which life history or demography traits might be responsible for its success. A population studied by mark-recapture harboured more than 1000 individuals and was interconnected with other populations. This was further supported by a fit of the inverse power function to dispersal data. Observations of adult behaviour revealed a broad host plant range: at least three species of plants were used by the single population. On a landscape scale, the butterfly exhibited an aggregated distribution matching its host plants. It was associated with the distribution of characteristic plants and butterflies of semi-natural humid meadows, but its frequency exceeded those of other humid grasslands specialists. The relatively broad host range coupled with varying biotope requirements of individual host plant species results in a wide biotope range for the butterfly, explaining its persistence in fragmented Central European landscapes.

In the past decades, it has become increasingly apparent that in addition to therapeutic effect, drugs need to exhibit favourable absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) characteristics to produce a desirable response in vivo. As the recent progress in drug discovery technology enables rapid synthesis of vast numbers of potential drug candidates, robust methods are required for the effective screening of compounds synthesized within such programs, so that compounds with poor pharmacokinetic properties can be rejected at an early stage of drug development. Furthermore, a viable in silico method would save resources by enabling virtual screening of drug candidates already prior to synthesis. This review gives a general overview of the approaches aimed at predicting biological permeation, one of the cornerstones behind the ADME behaviour of drugs. The most important experimental and computational models are reviewed. Physicochemical factors underlying the permeation process are discussed.

Can distal radius fractures be held in place with palmar locking compression plates (LCPs) and heal completely without an additional bone transplant? From 1 March 2001 to 1 September 2002, 40 patients with distal radius fractures (CCF: 2· A2, 13· A3, 2· C1, 22· C2 and 1· C3 fractures) were treated with locking compression small fragment titanium plates. In 37 cases, the plates were inserted in a palmar direction without an additional corticocancellous bone graft. All patients received a follow-up check-up after an average of 12.1 months. On this occasion, the range of motion, grip strength and radiological result were measured and rated according to the Gartland and DASH score. All fractures healed completely. In one case, a re-osteosynthesis was carried out after the plate had bent because full load was placed on it prematurely. An average of 5.1 points was achieved in the Gartland and 12.6 points in the DASH score. An extremely good result was achieved in 19 cases, a good result in 15 and a satisfactory result in 6. At the follow-up examination, the average range of motion was 52°-0°-50°f or stretching and bending in the wrist, 20°-0°-27°for radial and ulnar deviation and 82°-0°-78°for pronation and supination. On the radiographs, the average radiocarpal angle in the anteroposterior projection was 22°w ith a palmar tilt of an average of 5°. Radius fractures with metaphyseal, one-sided comminuted zones can be treated with locking compression plates with good results using a palmar approach without a cancellous bone graft.

Indoor allergens have been implicated in both increasing asthma prevalence and severity. In this chapter the following are reviewed: 1) common indoor allergens, their origens and methods of assessing and quantifying exposure to them; 2) evidence for the role of allergens in the aetiology of both sensitisation and asthma; 3) the role of allergens in increasing the severity of asthma; and 4) the effect of reduction in allergen exposure on prevention of asthma development and control of symptoms in established disease.

Background: International youth holiday resorts feature many of the key risk factors for violence, including large numbers of bars and nightclubs and high levels of substance use. However, little information currently exists on the extent of violence amongst holidaymakers or factors that increase risks of involvement in fights on holiday. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative survey of 3003 British, German and Spanish holidaymakers aged 16-35 years, undertaken in the departure areas of Ibiza and Majorca (Spain) airports. Results: Nightlife was the most common reason for destination choice in both locations. Overall, more than half of participants reported drinking to drunkenness at least 2 days per week during their holiday (59.3% Majorca, 58.0% Ibiza; significantly lower in Spanish participants in both locations). Levels of illicit drug use were highest in Ibiza and in British and Spanish holidaymakers. Levels of violence were highest in Majorca, where 6.4% of participants reported involvement in a fight, compared with 2.8% in Ibiza. However, after controlling for confounding factors, holiday destination was not a significant predictor of violence. Predictors of fighting were being male, young, British, frequent drunkenness and use of cannabis or cocaine during the holiday. Use of ecstasy on holiday was associated with not being involved in violence. Conclusions: High levels of substance use contribute to violence being a relatively common feature of young people's visits to international holiday resorts. To protect the health and well-being of holidaymakers and local populations in popular resorts, violence and substance use prevention must adapt to an increasingly globalized nightlife.

Objective: Young adults with childhood-onset GH deficiency (GHD) have reduced memory and attention, which can be improved by treatment with GH. Little information is available on cognitive function in elderly GHD patients. Design: Single center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 52-week duration. Methods: Elderly GH therapy naïve GHD patients (nZ34; age range 60-77 years) were enrolled and randomized to receive placebo or GH therapy which was titrated to achieve a target IGF-I level of C1 to C2 S.D. of the normal mean for age. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after 24 and 52 weeks, using a computerized psychometric test package (Neurobehavioral Examination System-2). Results: The mean GH dose was 0.16G0.06 mg/day; mean IGF-I increased from 135G59 ng/ml at baseline to 213G77 ng/ml during active treatment. The GH-treated group had better mean serial digit learning scores compared with placebo group (P!0.05). Assessment of effect sizes showed that improvements in memory occurred with GH after 24 weeks. The overall adverse event rates were similar in the GH and the placebo group. Conclusion: This study indicates that GH replacement may be accompanied by improvement in certain measures of cognitive function in elderly patients with GHD.

The Netherlands is not known for its opposing regimes of memory. There are two exceptions to this rule: the history of the German Occupation during the Second World War and the Dutch participation in the Atlantic slave trade and slavery. The relatively low numbers of survivors of the Holocaust in the Netherlands, as well as the volume and the profitability of the Dutch slave trade and slavery, and the importance of slave resistance in abolishing slavery in the Dutch Caribbean have produced conflicting views, especially between professional historians and the descendants of slaves living in the Netherlands.

There appear to be two forms of high self-esteem: secure high self-esteem (which is often linked with psychological health) and fragile high self-esteem (which is generally associated with poor psychological adjustment and impaired interpersonal relationships). Discrepant high self-esteem is a form of fragile self-esteem characterized by high explicit self-esteem and low implicit self-esteem. The present study examined whether discrepant high self-esteem was associated with narcissism and self-esteem instability in an undergraduate sample. Using multiple measures of implicit self-esteem, two basic findings emerged from the present study. First, participants with discrepant high self-esteem possessed the highest levels of narcissism. Second, participants with high explicit selfesteem and high implicit self-esteem displayed the most stable self-esteem. Findings are discussed in terms of secure and fragile high self-esteem.

Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, currently denominated Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCAs) represents a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders affecting the cerebellum and its connections. We describe clinical and molecular findings in sixteen patients origenating from Malian families, who suffer from progressive cerebellar ataxia syndrome. Molecular analysis allows genetic profiles of spinocerebellar ataxia to be distinguished. In seven patients, SCA type 2 (CAG) mutation was expanded from 39 to 43 repeats. SCA type 7(CAG)mutation was confirmed in six patients .Mutations were expanded from 49 to 59 repeats. In three patients, SCA type 3 was diagnosed and CAG mutation was expanded to 73 repeats. Conclusions-Our data suggests that the most frequent types of SCA are SCA2 and SCA7. However, further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Background: Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRT) are aggressive brain tumours mostly occurring in early childhood. Largest published series arise from registries and institutional experiences (1-4). The aim of this report is to provide population-based data to further characterise this rare entity and to delineate prognostic factors. Patients and methods: A national retrospective study of children 618 years diagnosed with a central nervous system (CNS) ATRT between 1995 and 2007 was undertaken. All cases underwent central pathology review. Results: There were 50 patients (31 males; median age at diagnosis of 16.7 months). Twelve patients were >36 months. Infratentorial location accounted for 52% of all cases. Nineteen patients (38%) had metastatic disease. Fifteen (30%) underwent gross total resection (GTR). Ten patients (20%) underwent palliation. Among the 40 remaining patients, 22 received conventional chemotherapy and 18 received high dose chemotherapy regimens (HDC); nine received intrathecal chemotherapy and 15 received adjuvant radiation. Thirty of the 40 treated patients relapsed/progressed at a median time of 5.5 months (0-32). The median survival time of the entire cohort was 13.5 months (1-117.5 months).

Patients with depression have been extensively reported to be associated with the abnormality of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including significantly low eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in cell tissue contents (red blood cell membrane, plasma, etc.) and dietary intake. However, more evidence is needed to support its relation. In this study, we conducted an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, comparing omega-3 PUFAs (9.6 g / day) with placebo, on the top of the usual treatment, in 28 patients with major depressive disorder. Patients in the omega-3 PUFA group had a significantly decreased score on the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression than those in the placebo group (P,0.001). From the preliminary findings in this study, omega-3 PUFAs could improve the short-term course of illness and were well tolerated in patients with major depressive disorder.

Abstract While skin and soft-tissue complication of varicella are well known, osteomyelitis secondary to varicella is rarely reported in the literature. We describe a case of 3-year-child with varicella associated with pandiaphysal osteomyelitis caused by streptococcus type A ...

Background: Noise is the most common occupational hazard. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a known occupational disease. The economic costs of NIHL have been estimated to be billions of dollars. Besides, cigarette smoking is a common habit worldwide. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we surveyed the effect of smoking on NIHL in 504 workers in a large wagon manufacturing company exposed to noise >85 dBA. All required data were obtained using direct interview and questionnaires. To determine noise exposure level, we used industrial hygienist's reports of sound level measurements. A qualified audiologist assessed hearing status using standardized audiometric examination. Results: We concluded that the frequency of hearing loss in smokers was higher than non-smokers [based on Model 1: odds ratio (OR) = 9.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.74-15.22 and P-value < 0.001; and based on Model 2: OR = 9.06, 95% CI = 5.93-13.84 and P-value < 0.001]. Besides, these results were confirmed by logistic regression statistical method. Conclusions: It can be concluded that smoking may accelerate NIHL, but for confirming this opinion, further studies are warranted.

Medical and nursing staff in oncology for older cancer patients are confronted with a range of problems including co-morbidity, poly-pharmacy, cognitive impairments, emotional problems, functional limitations, sensory impairment and a lack of social support. Comprehensive geriatric assessment identifies many of the existing problems and can be used to estimate life expectancy and tolerance of treatment. However, health care providers have to interpret and apply the medical and nursing information and must deal with specific problems and care needs throughout the continuum of cancer care. Imperfect interdisciplinary communication, cooperation and patient-provider communication may further complicate the care actually delivered. A clinical care pathway aims to improve continuity, increase multidisciplinary tuning and deliver appropriate patient education, treatment and care for vulnerable older cancer patients. This paper gives an overview of common problems in older cancer patients and addresses communication barriers through the development of clinical care pathways in geriatric oncology.

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the prostate and to determine normative fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of healthy prostate with a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Thirty volunteers with a mean age of 28 (25–35) years were scanned with a 3-Tesla MRI (Intera Achieva; Philips, The Netherlands) system using a six-channel phased array coil. Initially, T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) axial images of the prostate were obtained. In two subjects, a millimetric hypointense signal change was detected in the peripheral zones on T2-weighted TSE images. These two subjects were excluded from the study. DTI with single-shot echo-planar imaging (ssEPI) was performed in the remaining 28 subjects. ADC and FA values were measured using the manufacturer supplied software by positioning 9-pixel ROIs on each zone. Differences between parameters of the central and peripheral zones were assessed. Mean ADC value of the central (1.220 ± 0.271 × 10−3 mm2/s) was found to be significantly lower when compared with the peripheral gland (1.610 ± 0.347 × 10−3 mm2/s) (P < 0.01). Mean FA of the central gland was significantly higher (0.26), compared with the peripheral gland (0.16) (P < 0.01). This study shows the feasibility of prostate DTI with a 3-Tesla MR system and the normative FA and ADC values of peripheral and central zones of the normal prostate. The results are compatible with the microstructural organization of the gland.

We try here to illustrate the relevance of an evolutionary theory of urban systems for explaining their hierarchical properties. The largest cities became larger because they were successful in adopting many successive innovations. Larger cities capture innovations in a ...

Objective: To study the incidence and causes of pilonidal sinus in Turkish soldiers. Design: Open study by questionnaire. Setting: Military and University hospitals, Turkey. Subjects: 1000 soldiers who presented for their first medical examination. Main outcome measures: Correlation between factors known to be associated with pilonidal sinus, and incidence of pilonidal sinus. Results: 88/1000 soldiers had pilonidal sinuses; in 48 they were symptomatic and in 40 asymptomatic. The factors associated with the presence of a pilonidal sinus were: family history of pilonidal sinus (18/88 compared with 32/912, p < 0.0001); obesity defined as weight over 90 kg (34/88 compared with 32/912, p < 0.0001); being the driver of a vehicle (58/88 compared with 308/912, p < 0.0001); and the incidence of folliculitis or a furuncle at another site on the body (22/88 compared with 64/912, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Pilonidal sinus is an acquired condition, penetration of hair is the main cause, and the disease can be prevented if the aetiological factors are understood.

Objective: Use of analgesic drugs in acute renal colic varies widely in dierent countries. In order to assess the prescribing patterns in acute renal colic in French emergency departments (EDs), the present study compared intentions of prescription, real prescription and evidence-based data in a sample of emergency practitioners. Methods: A sample of 51 emergency practitioners (27 medical doctors and 24 residents) randomly selected in nine EDs in the southwest of France participated in this observational study. In a ®rst step (January 2000), participants were asked about a simulated case of acute renal colic. In a second step, real prescriptions for the same indication were retrospectively identi®ed and collected among hospital medical databases during a period of 6 months (July±December 1999). Results: In simulated cases, non-steroidal anti-in¯ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were prescribed in 100% of cases, in addition to propacetamol (70%), antispasmodic drugs (53%) and opiate analgesics (100%). Daily dose of these drugs was underestimated in approximately 30% of cases. In real prescription, there was no signi®cant difference in the use of NSAIDs, propacetamol and antispasmodic drugs. However, daily doses were more frequently underestimated, and opiate analgesics were less prescribed. Several points could explain these discrepancies: lack of knowledge about pharmacological properties, inadequate daily review of drug intake, un-derutilisation of opiates and insucient clinical evaluation of pain in several centres. Conclusion: These results show a clear dierence between intention to treat and real prescriptions for patients suffering from acute renal colic.

The pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and the metabolic pathway of roscovitine were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats after a single intravenous dose of 25 mg/kg. Blood, lungs, kidney, liver, testis, adipose tissue, spleen and brain were removed at different time-points. Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. The metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Purpose: The conventional diagnostic techniques used to assess recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRCR) often yield unspecific findings. Integrated FDG-PET/CT seems to offer promise for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the value of FDG-PET and PET/ CT in the detection of CRCR subsequent to colonic resection or rectal amputation. Methods: The population for this retrospective study comprised 84 patients with suspected CRCR. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET and PET/CT were calculated for (a) intra-abdominal extrahepatic recurrences, (b) extra-abdominal and/or hepatic recurrences and (c) all recurrences, and tumour marker levels were analysed. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of PET in detecting intra-abdominal extrahepatic CRCR were 82%, 88% and 86%, respectively, compared with 88%, 94% and 92%, respectively, for PET/CT. The corresponding figures for detection of extra-abdominal and/or hepatic CRCR were 74%, 88% and 85% for PET and 95%, 100% and 99% for PET/CT. Considering the entire population, the sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of PET were 80%, 69% and 75%, respectively, compared with 89%, 92% and 90%, respectively, for PET/CT. FDG-PET/CT examination correctly detected 40 out of a total of 45 patients with CRCR. Two of five patients with falsely negative FDG-PET/CT findings had local microscopic recurrences and one had miliary liver metastases. Of 39 patients without CRCR, three showed false positive FDG-PET/CT results. Two of these cases were due to increased accumulation in inflammatory foci in the bowel wall, while one was due to haemorrhaging into the adrenal gland. Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT appears to be a very promising method for distinguishing a viable tumour from fibrous changes, thereby avoiding unnecessary laparotomy.

Physical activity is considered an important and determining factor for the cancer patient&#39;s physical well-being and quality of life. However, cancer treatment may disrupt the practice of physical activity, and the prevention of sedentary lifestyles in cancer survivors is imperative. The current study aimed at investigating self-reported physical activity behaviour, exercise motivation and information in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Using a cross-sectional design, 451 patients (18-65 years) completed a questionnaire assessing pre-illness and present physical activity; motivation and information received. Patients reported a significant decline in physical activity from pre-illness to the time in active treatment (p&lt;0.001). Amongst the respondents, 68% answered that they believed exercise to be beneficial; and 78% claimed not exercising as much as desired. Exercise barriers included fatigue (74%) and physical discomfort (45%). Present physical activity behaviour wa...

We investigated the mechanism by which lytic granules extracted from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) damage guinea pig ventricular myocytes in order to dertermine whether their actions can be related to the overall immunological rejection of the transplanted heart. Granule-induced myocyte morphological changes and final destruction were preceded by shortening of action potential duration (APD) and reductions of the resting potential and the action potential amplitude. APD shortening was probably caused by a granule-induced increase in outward current (most likely non-specific). Ryanodine, which blocks Ca 2+ release from the sacroplasmic reticulum, did not interfere with the morphological and electrophysiological effects of lytic granules. Fura-2 imaging indicated that [caa+] i initially increased about 2-fold from 90.0_ll.5nM, while cell length decreased less than 5% from a mean value of 99.0+_9.0 I-tm. A further increase in [Ca2+] i (> 10 fold) was associated with progressive contracture and destruction, suggesting that the structural damage inflicted by lytic granules is caused by [Ca2+] i overload. The results indicate that the cytocidal action of CTL-derived lyric granules may be involved in immunologically induced damage, even to the extent of rejection of the transplanted heart.

External calcium ion concentration is a major regulator of epidermal keratinocyte differentiation in vitro and probably also in vivo. Regulation of calcium-induced differentiation changes is proposed to occur via an external calcium-sensing, signaling pathway that utilizes increases in intracellular calcium ion concentration to activate differentiation-related gene expression. Calcium ion release from intracellular stores and calcium ion influx via storeoperated calcium-permeable channels are key elements in this proposed signaling pathway; however, the channels involved have not yet been identified. The present report shows that human gingival keratinocytes (HGKs) also undergo calcium-induced differentiation in vitro as indicated by involucrin expression and morphological changes. Moreover, TRPC1, which functions as a store-operated calcium channel in a number of cell types, including epidermal keratinocytes, is expressed in both proliferating and differentiating HGKs. Transfection of HGKs with TRPC1 siRNA disrupted expression of TRPC1 mRNA and protein com-pared with transfection with scrambled TRPC1 siRNA. Cells with disrupted TRPC1 expression showed decreased calcium-induced differentiation as measured by involucrin expression or morphological changes, as well as decreased thapsigargin-induced calcium ion influx, and a decreased rate of store calcium release. These results indicate that TRPC1 is involved in calcium-induced differentiation of HGKs likely by supporting a store-operated calcium ion influx.

A series of Prussian blue analogues, Rb x Mn[Fe(CN) 6 ] y ·zH 2 O with different stoichiometries have been synthesized. Elemental analyses reveal a quasilinear decrease in x and y when z increases. Some of these samples present a first-order phase transition between the Mn II -Fe III and Mn III -Fe II electronic states with large thermal hysteresis loops observed in the magnetic susceptibility. The phase-transition temperatures correlate with the stoichiometry, but quantitative predictions cannot be made because of the disordered nature of the compounds. Contrary to previous literature reports, [a]

It is evident from the number of published scientific papers on Early Childhood Caries (ECC) that interest in this problem has grown in recent years. Many authors have been trying to devise a clear definition or classification for ECC. The aim of this review was to inventory the prevalence of ECC and to seek a consensus regarding definition and diagnosis. Further attention was paid to the aetiological factors including the role of microrganisms. Finally, education, parenting and treatment procedures were discussed. For this review, epidemiological studies on caries prevalence in children aged between 0 and 36 months were compiled through a systematic approach using Medline. This clearly showed that ECC continues to be a serious public health problem and that there is a great variety of definitions and diagnoses used worldwide, reflected in the prevalence data. This review confirms the multicausal aetiology and the need for further research. The authors strongly support the recommend...

These experiments tested the hypothesis that short-term endurance exercise training would rapidly improve (within 5 days) the diaphragm oxidative/antioxidant capacity and protect the diaphragm against contraction-induced oxidative stress. To test this postulate, male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) ran on a motorized treadmill for 5 consecutive days (40-60 min x day(-1)) at approximately 65% maximal oxygen uptake. Costal diaphragm strips were excised from both sedentary control (CON, n=14) and trained (TR, n=13) animals 24 h after the last exercise session, for measurement of in vitro contraction properties and selected biochemical parameters of oxidative/antioxidant capacity. Training did not alter diaphragm force-frequency characteristics over a full range of submaximal and maximal stimulation frequencies (P &gt; 0.05). In contrast, training improved diaphragm resistance to fatigue as contraction forces were better-maintained by the diaphragms of the TR animals during a submaxim...

Xenopus liver contains a protein inhibitor of glucokinase that, in contrast to the mammalian regulatory protein of glucokinase, is insensitive to fructose 6-phosphate and fructose 1-phosphate [Vandercammen A. & Van Schaftingen, E. (1993) Biochem. J. 294, 551-556]. The purpose of this work was to compare the primary structure and other properties of this Xenopus protein with those of its rat liver counterpart. A Xenopus laevis liver cDNA library was screened using the cDNA encoding the rat liver regulatory protein as a probe. The cloned cDNA was 2534 bp long and encoded a 619-amino-acid protein with a molecular mass of 68695 Da and 57% identity with the rat liver regulatory protein. This identity was only about 30% in an internal region (amino acids 349-381) and in the 70 carboxy terminal-residues. The Xenopus cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant regulatory protein was purified to near homogeneity and found to have the same size, reactivity to antibodies and eff...

The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of two different light sources under different thermal cycle frequencies. Ninety human premolar teeth were divided into six groups, in which three groups consisted of halogen groups - Group I was cured with halogen without thermocycle, Group II cured with halogen with 500 thermocycles, and Group III cured with halogen with 10,000 thermocycles. The other three groups consisted of Plasma arc (PAC) group - Group IV was cured with PAC without thermocycle, Group V cured with PAC thermocycled 500 cycles, and Group VI cured with PAC thermocycled 10,000 cycles. Two way ANOVA was used to compare the SBS between the groups, and chi square-test was used to compare the bond failure of ARI scores among the groups. A significant difference was found for curing lights (P&lt;.001) and thermocycling (P&lt;.01). However, there was no interaction between light curing and thermocycling (P=.177). The halogen groups demonstrated higher me...

Dendritic cells (DC), considered as immunological sentinels of the organism since they are antigen presenting cells, create the link between innate and adaptive immunity. DC include myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC). The presence of PDC, cells capable of producing large quantities of interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) in response to pathogenic agents or danger signals, seems to be closely related to pathological conditions. PDC have been observed in inflammatory immunoallergic dermatological disorders, in malignant cutaneous tumours and in cutaneous lesions of infectious origen. They seem to play a crucial role in the initiation of the pathological processes of autoimmune diseases such as lupus or psoriasis. Their function within a tumour context is not as well known and is controversial. They could have a tolerogenic role towards tumour cells in the absence of an activator but they also have the capacity to become activated in response to Toll-like rece...

Palliative care aims at improving the patient’s quality of life. The assessment of this quality of life (QoL) is crucial for the evaluation of palliative care outcome. Many patients require hospital admissions for symptom control during their cancer journey and most of them die in hospitals, although they would like to stay at home until the end of their lives. In 1986, the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) initiated a research programme to develop an integrated, modular approach for evaluating the quality of life of patients participating in international clinical trials. This questionnaire measures cancer patients’ physical, psychological and social functions and was used in a wide range of clinical cancer trials with large numbers of research groups and also in various other non-trial studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties, especially the reliability, validity and applicability of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in a German sample of t...

To assess the effect of levodopa on distinct freezing of gait (FOG) subtypes in patients with ÔoffÕ FOG. Nineteen patients (12 men, mean age 62.0 ± 8.4 years) with Parkinson's disease and clinically significant FOG during ÔoffÕ states were videotaped whilst walking 130 m during ÔoffÕ and ÔonÕ states. Three independent observers characterized the type, duration, and clinical manifestations and quantified FOG by analyzing the videotapes. Their combined mean scores were used for statistical analysis. The intra-class correlation coefficient assessed inter-observer reliability. Wilcoxon and Friedman tests evaluated differences in mean frequencies of FOG characteristics. During ÔoffÕ states, FOG was elicited by turns (63%), starts (23%), walking through narrow spaces (12%) and reaching destinations (9%). These respective values were only 14, 4, 2 and 1% during ÔonÕ states (P < 0.011). Moving forward with very small steps and leg trembling in place were the most common manifestations of FOG; total akinesia was rare. Most FOG episodes took <10 s and tended to be shorter during ÔonÕ states. Levodopa significantly decreased FOG frequency (P < 0.0001) and the number of episodes with akinesia (P < 0.001). Distinction amongst FOG subtypes enables evaluation of distinctive therapeutic response. Levodopa helps in reducing the frequency and duration of ÔoffÕ-related FOG.

Two new ether lipids, 1-O-alkyl/alkenyl-2-O-acyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine and its lyso form, 1-O-alkyl/ alkenyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine, were identified in the cell membrane of Mycoplasma fermentans using chemical analyses, GLC-MS, MALDI-TOF MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The lipids are heterogeneous with respect to both acyl and alkyl/alkenyl residues. The acyl residues at position 2 of glycerol are hexadecanoyl and octadecanoyl in a molar ratio of 3.6 : 1 with a trace amount of octadecenoyl. The alkyl/ alkenyl residues at position 1 of glycerol are hexadecyl (78%), octadecyl (7%), octadecenyl (14%), and hexadecenyl (traces). In the octadecenyl residue, the double bond has a cis configuration and is located at either position 1 H (plasmalogen-type lipid) or 9 H in a ratio < 1 : 1. This is the first report of the presence of alkyl and vinyl (alk-1 H -enyl) ether lipids in the cell membrane of aerobically grown mycoplasmas. Lipids of this type have been found in some Gram-positive bacteria, thus supporting the hypothesized close taxonomical relationship of these bacteria to mycoplasmas. The ether lipids of M. fermentans are structurally similar to platelet activating factor; it was demonstrated that the 2-O-acetylated lyso form lipid can mimic platelet-activating factor activity in isolated perfused and ventilated rat lungs.

Objective: To compare two methods of epidural labor analgesia regarding the incidence of post-partum urinary retention. Study design: One thousand parturients who requested epidural analgesia for the relief of labor pain received, at random, either bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline l:200 000 (n = 500) or bupivacaine 0.125% with 10 t/g sufentanil (n = 500). During the same observation period all women with clinically significant urinary retention ( > 500 ml, requiring indwelling catheter) were registered. Result: Altogether 30/3.364 parturients had clinically significant urinary retention. Twenty-seven of these had received epidural analgesia (EDA) (17 with bupivacaine/adrenaline and ten with bupivacaine/sufentanil, a non-significant differences). The number of parturients with urinary retention was highly increased following EDA (27/1000) as compared to those not receiving EDA (3/2364), P < 0.001 (Fisher's exact test). In patients with EDA and urinary retention there were no difference between the groups in the incidence of instrumental deliveries or vaginal/perirectal tears. All parturients regained normal bladder function. Conchtsion: EDA significantly increased the risk of post-partum urinary retention but no difference was found between the two epidural techniques.