X-ray spectroscopy station for sample characterization at ELI Beamlines.

X-ray spectroscopy is a demanded tool across multiple user communities. Here we report on a new station for X-ray emission spectroscopy at the Extreme Light Infrastructure Beamlines Facility. The instrument utilizes the von Hamos geometry and works with a number of different sample types, notably including liquid systems. We demonstrate a simple and reliable method for source position control using two cameras. This approach addresses energy calibration dependence on sample position, which is a characteristic source of measurement uncertainty for wavelength dispersive spectrometers in XES arrangement. We also present a straightforward procedure for energy calibration of liquid and powder samples to a thin film reference. The developed instrumentation enabled us to perform the first experimental determination of the Kα lines of liquidized K3Fe(CN)6 as well as powdered and liquidized FeNH4(SO4)2. Finally, we report on proof-of-principle use of a colliding jet liquid sample delivery system in an XES experiment.

Topical treatment of eczematous external otitis involving the ear canal: long-term results of a trial comparing pimecrolimus 1 per cent versus clobetasone butyrate 0.05 per cent.

BACKGROUND: Eczematous external otitis is a common chronic condition that can have a significant impact on the life of sufferers, causing constant discomfort and pruritus, and leading to sleep deprivation. Treatment is based on the use of topical steroids, moisturisers and occasionally antibiotics. Results, however, can be disappointing, especially over the long term. METHODS: This study compared the long-term response to pimecrolimus, administered to a group of 11 patients, against clobetasone butyrate, administered to an equivalent number of patients. Response to the treatment was assessed and statistically analysed at 3 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Whereas the degree of improvement following the use of pimecrolimus and clobetasone butyrate was similar for the two groups at month 3, a highly statistically significant difference was documented at month 12, with a much greater and sustained improvement in the pimecrolimus group.

A 4-year retrospective study of tonsillectomy rate and admission rate of tonsillitis and complications in the East of England and nationally.

OBJECTIVES: Guidance set out by Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) sought to restrict the frequency of elective tonsillectomy in reaction to the recognised and substantial risks of the procedure, namely pain and bleeding. With stricter criteria in place before a patient can undergo tonsillectomy, patients must endure more episodes of tonsillitis than was previously the case. The cost of managing tonsillitis and its complications as an inpatient is substantial to the NHS and also to the economy as a whole in missed work days. The authors sought to establish if the reduced rate of tonsillectomy performed had any effect on the rate of acute hospital admission for tonsillitis or the associated abscesses-peritonsillar, parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal. METHODS: A retrospective multi-centre study reviewed admission data across a 4-year period. The rate of tonsillectomies performed for recurrent tonsillitis across four trusts in Mid-Essex was compared with the number of admissions for tonsillitis, peritonsillar, parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses. National hospital episode statistics data over a 5-year period was also analysed. RESULTS: For the regional data in 2015, 979 tonsillectomies were performed across the four centres, reducing to 875 in 2018. There was no trend in the rates of acute tonsillitis requiring admission but the rates of peritonsillar abscess increased from 156 to 192 cases per year in the same period. This correlation was found not to be statistically significant in the measured sample size. The National hospital episode statistics data showed a significant correlation between tonsillectomy rates and admissions from complications of tonsillitis as well as the associated abscesses. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the reduced tonsillectomy rate was correlated with an increased number of admissions with peritonsillar abscess regionally. Nationally reduced tonsillectomy rate is significantly associated with increased admissions with tonsillitis and all its complications. A decreased rate of tonsillectomy may be increasing the rate of serious tonsillitis. This has an impact on patient morbidity, an increasing financial burden on the NHS and the UK economy.

Learning curve for detection of pelvic parts of ureters by transvaginal sonography: feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how many examinations it takes to be able to identify the pelvic parts of the ureters on transvaginal sonography (TVS). METHODS: This was a prospective study including consecutive women attending a gynecological outpatient clinic in a tertiary referral setting. Prior to commencement of the study, three trainees, with a focus on gynecological surgery and TVS but with no experience in identifying ureters, each observed an expert examiner performing 10 routine TVS examinations, including identification of both ureters. All were standardized gynecological TVS examinations, with visualization of the pelvic part of both ureters. Consecutive women were then examined, first by the expert, unobserved by the trainees, and then by one of the three trainees, in the presence of the expert. To ensure that identification of the pelvic parts of the ureters could be incorporated feasibly into routine gynecological TVS in a tertiary referral setting, a time limit of 150 s was set for successful identification of each ureter. A successful examination was defined by identifying both ureters within the time limit. The number of women examined by each trainee was determined by how quickly they achieved proficiency, which was evaluated using the learning curve cumulative summation (LC-CUSUM) score. RESULTS: Between January 2017 and June 2017, a total of 140 women were recruited for the study, with 135 patients being included in the final analysis. The three trainees were able to identify the right ureter after a maximum of 48 (range, 34-48) TVS examinations, and the left ureter after a maximum of 47 (range, 27-47) TVS examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographers and/or gynecologists who are familiar with gynecological TVS should be able to become proficient in identifying both ureters after 40-50 TVS examinations. Detection of the ureters is a feasible part of the TVS workup of patients attending a clinic in a tertiary referral center. © 2019 the Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Curva de aprendizaje para la detección de las partes pélvicas de los uréteres mediante ecografía transvaginal: estudio de viabilidad OBJETIVO: Investigar cuántos exámenes se necesitan para poder identificar las partes pélvicas de los uréteres en la ecografía transvaginal (ETV). MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo que incluyó a mujeres que acudieron consecutivamente a una clínica ginecológica ambulatoria en un entorno de especialistas terciarios. Antes de comenzar el estudio, tres pasantes con interés en la cirugía ginecológica y la ETV pero sin experiencia en la identificación de uréteres, observaron respectivamente a un examinador con experiencia mientras realizaba 10 exámenes rutinarios de ETV, incluida la identificación de ambos uréteres. Todos eran exámenes ginecológicos estandarizados por ETV, con visualización de la parte pélvica de ambos uréteres. A continuación, las mujeres fueron examinadas en orden consecutivo, primero por el experto, sin ser observadas por los aprendices, y luego por uno de los tres aprendices, en presencia del experto. Para asegurar que la identificación de las partes pélvicas de los uréteres se pudiera incorporar de manera factible a la ETV ginecológica rutinaria en un entorno de especialistas terciarios, se fijó un plazo de 150 segundos para la identificación satisfactoria de cada uréter. El éxito del examen se definió mediante la identificación de ambos uréteres dentro del plazo establecido. El número de mujeres examinadas por cada aprendiz se determinó por la rapidez con que alcanzaron la competencia, que se evaluó utilizando la puntuación de la suma acumulativa de la curva de aprendizaje (LC-CUSUM, por sus siglas en inglés). RESULTADOS: Entre enero y junio de 2017, se reclutó un total de 140 mujeres para el estudio, y 135 de ellas se incluyeron en el análisis final. Los tres aprendices pudieron identificar el uréter derecho después de un máximo de 48 (rango, 34-48) exámenes de ETV, y el uréter izquierdo después de un máximo de 47 (rango, 27-47) exámenes de ETV. CONCLUSIONES: Los ecografistas y/o ginecólogos que están familiarizados con la ETV ginecológica deberían ser capaces de llegar a ser competentes en la identificación de ambos uréteres después de 40-50 exámenes de ETV. La detección de los uréteres es una parte factible de la ETV de los pacientes que acuden a una clínica en un centro de especialistas terciario. © 2019 Los autores. Ultrasonido en Obstetricia y Ginecología publicado por John Wiley & Sons Ltd. en nombre de la Sociedad Internacional de Ultrasonido en Obstetricia y Ginecología.

Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Efficiency of ZnO/MWCNT Nanocomposites Prepared Under Different Solvent Conditions.

Here we report the application of zinc oxide (ZnO) coated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites in the photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde (AA). Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully coated on the multi-walled carbon nanotube via impregnation process using zinc acetate (Zn(CH3COO)2×2H2O) as precursor and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treated multiwalled carbon nanotube as raw material under different solvent conditions. The applied solvents during preparation were ethanol (EtOH) and water (H2O). As-prepared materials were characterized by thermal analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area measurement (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Photocatalytic efficiencies of as-prepared composites were investigated in a stationary reactor equipped with UV lamp. Decomposition of acetaldehyde was followed by using gas chromatography (GC). Observations revealed that using impregnation method and different solvents the preparation of ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposites can be controlled easily. The highest degradation rate was achieved with the nanocomposite was synthetized using ethanol as solvent. The photocatalytic experiments revealed that the composite has higher photocatalytic activity than that of both the zinc oxide nanoparticles and the mechanical mixture of multi-walled carbon nanotube and zinc oxide.

Transcriptional subtyping and CD8 immunohistochemistry identifies poor prognosis stage II/III colorectal cancer patients who benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Transcriptomic profiling of colorectal cancer (CRC) has led to identification of four consensus molecular subtypes (CMS1-4), which have prognostic value in stage II/III disease. More recently, the Colorectal Cancer Intrinsic Subtypes (CRIS) classification system has helped to define the biology specific to the epithelial component of colorectal tumors. However, the clinical value of these classifications in predicting response to standard-of-care adjuvant chemotherapy remains unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using samples from 4 European sites, we assembled a novel stage II/III CRC patient cohort and performed transcriptomic profiling on 156 samples, targeted sequencing and generated a tissue microarray to enable integrated "multi-omics" analyses. We also accessed data from 2 published stage II/III CRC patient cohorts: GSE39582 and GSE14333 (479 and 185 samples respectively). RESULTS: The epithelial-rich CMS2 subtype of CRC benefitted significantly from adjuvant chemotherapy treatment in both stage II and III disease (p=0.02 and p<0.0001 respectively), while the CMS3 subtype significantly benefitted in stage III only (p=0.00073). Following CRIS sub-stratification of CMS2, we observed that only the CRIS-C subtype significantly benefitted from adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II and III disease (p=0.0081 and p<0.0001 respectively), while CRIS-D significantly benefitted in stage III only (p=0.0034). We also observed that CRIS-C patients with low levels of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were most at risk of relapse in both stage II and III disease (p=0.0031). CONCLUSION: Patient stratification using a combination of transcriptional subtyping and CD8 immunohistochemistry analyses is capable of identifying poor prognostic stage II/III patients who benefit from adjuvant standard-of-care chemotherapy. These findings are particularly relevant for stage II disease, where the overall benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy is marginal.

Insights into Pore Size Control in Cellulose Nanopapers Through Modeling and Experiments.

An easy way of controlling pore sizes during the preparation of cellulose nanopapers using nanofibrillated cellulose and different solvents, such as water, ethanol and acetone, was applied in this study. A possible mathematical model is also presented, that describes the occuring processes, which model is based on simple probability theory computations taking the number of possible hydrogen bonds into consideration. This model allows the better understanding of the solvent dependence of pore formation on a molecular level. For the comparison of the effects of solvents two different series of cellulose nanopapers were prepared. In the cases of both series, an aqueous nanofibrillated cellulose suspension was used for the fabrication of nanopapers, and different solvents were used for their modification. Based on scanning electron microscopy images and mercury intrusion porosimetry data it has been concluded, that using different solvents was a crucial point in controlling pore sizes. A theory about the swelling effects, as well as the formation and decomposition of nanofibrillated cellulose aggregates based on the hydrogen bonding abilities of the solvents, was proposed and proven in this paper. As-prepared nanocellulose papers can be excellent candidates for further applications as support materials (e.g., virus filtration).

The effects of Hurricane Sandy on trauma center admissions.

BACKGROUND: Hurricane Sandy was a particularly unusual storm with regard to both size and location of landfall. The storm landed in New Jersey, which is unusual for a tropical storm of such scale, and created hazardous conditions which caused injury to residents during the storm and in the months following. This study aims to describe differences in trauma center admissions and patterns of injury during this time period when compared to a period with no such storm. METHODS: Data were collected for this study from patients who were admitted to the trauma center at Morristown Medical Center during Hurricane Sandy or the ensuing cleanup efforts (patients admitted between 29 October 2012 and 27 December 2012) as well as a control group consisting of all patients admitted to the trauma center between 29 October 2013 and 27 December 2013. Patient information was collected to compare the admissions of the trauma center during the period of the storm and cleanup to the control period. RESULTS: A total of 419 cases were identified in the storm and cleanup period. 427 were identified for the control. Striking injuries were more common in the storm and cleanup group by 266.7% (p = 0.0107); cuts were more common by 650.8% (p = 0.0044). Medical records indicate that many of these injuries were caused by Hurricane Sandy. Self-inflicted injuries were more common by 301.3% (p = 0.0294). There were no significant differences in the total number of patients, mortality, or injury severity score between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The data we have collected show that the conditions caused by Hurricane Sandy and the following cleanup had a significant effect on injury patterns, with more patients having been injured by being struck by falling or thrown objects, cut while using tools, or causing self-inflicted injuries. These changes, particularly during the cleanup period, are indicative of environmental changes following the storm which increase these risks of injury.

Anti-inflammatory effect of a novel locally acting A2A receptor agonist in a rat model of oxazolone-induced colitis.

Adenosine represents a powerful modulating factor, which has been shown to orchestrate the scope, duration, and remission of the inflammatory response through the activation of four specific receptors, classified as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, all being widely expressed in a variety of immune cells. Several selective A2A receptor agonists have displayed anti-inflammatory effects, through the suppression of IL-12, TNF, and IFN-γ production by monocytes and lymphocytes, in the setting of chronic intestinal inflammation. However, the therapeutic application of A2A receptor agonists remains hindered by the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects arising from the wide systemic distribution of A2A receptors. The present study focused on evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of the novel poorly absorbed A2A receptor agonist PSB-0777 in a rat model of oxazolone-induced colitis as well as to evaluate its cardiovascular adverse effects, paying particular attention to the onset of hypotension, one of the main adverse effects associated with the systemic pharmacological activation of A2A receptors. Colitis was associated with decreased body weight, an enhanced microscopic damage score and increased levels of colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO). PSB-0777, but not dexamethasone, improved body weight. PSB-0777 and dexamethasone ameliorated microscopic indexes of inflammation and reduced MPO levels. The beneficial effects of PSB-0777 on inflammatory parameters were prevented by the pharmacological blockade of A2A receptors. No adverse cardiovascular events were observed upon PSB-0777 administration. The novel A2A receptor agonist PSB-0777 could represent the base for the development of innovative pharmacological entities able to act in an event-specific and site-specific manner.

The significance of micro- and macrovascular biomarkers on cardiovascular outcome in chronic kidney disease: a prospective cohort study.

Measures of small and large artery dysfunction have not been investigated in a single cohort for the prediction of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with nondialysed (ND) chronic kidney disease (CKD). This prospective cohort study aimed to determine whether central pulse wave velocity (cPWV), central pulse pressure (CPP) or microvascular post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia area (PORHHA) independently predict CV events and mortality in CKD-ND. A total of 94 stage 1-5 CKD-ND (65.3±13.1 years; estimated glomerular filtration rate 35.3 (22.8-49.4) ml min(-1) per 1.73 m(2)) patients were followed-up for a median of 52 (36-65) months and had baseline cPWV and CPP measured by applanation tonometry and PORHHA by laser Doppler flowmetry. Multiple failure time Cox regression models were used to determine the predictive role of vascular parameters on CV mortality and events. Based on multiple linear regressions, baseline age, diabetes, CV disease, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independently related to cPWV (R(2)=0.3), SBP and PORHHA to CPP (R(2)=0.45), whereas CPP was the only parameter independently related to PORHHA (R(2)=0.16, all P<0.05). During follow-up, 41 CV events occurred (14 CV deaths). In univariate analyses, cPWV (1.07 (1.02-1.13) per m s(-1)), CPP (1.04 (1.01-1.07) per mm Hg) and lnPORHHA (0.70 (0.58-0.85) per ln(PU × s)) were all related to the outcome. Baseline diabetes (HR 3.07 (1.65-5.68)), lnFGF23 (fibroblast growth factor-23; 1.86 (1.13-3.06) per RU ml(-1)) and CPP (1.04 (1.01-1.07) per mm Hg) were independent predictors of CV events. The impaired pulsatile component of large arteries (CPP) independently of other vascular markers (cPWV, PORHHA) predicted CV outcomes in CKD-ND. CPP may integrate the information provided by cPWV and PORHHA.

A mechanistic approach to understanding range shifts in a changing world: What makes a pioneer?

A species' range can be thought of as a manifestation of the ecological niche in space. Within a niche, evolution has resulted in traits that maximize fitness. Across millennia, natural oscillations in temperature have caused shifts in the geographic location of appropriate habitat and with corresponding changes in species' ranges. Contemporary climate change and human disturbance may lead to rapid range expansion or contractions with largely unknown consequences. Birds provide an excellent case study of this phenomenon with some taxa expanding range and others contracting even to the point of extinction. What leads some populations to expand while others contract? Are there physiological and behavioral attributes of "pioneers" at the forefront of a range shift/expansion? The concept of allostasis provides a framework with which to begin to evaluate when a species will be able to successfully expand into new habitat. This tool allows the integration of normal energetic demands (e.g. wear and tear of daily and seasonal routines) with novel challenges posed by unfamiliar and human altered environments. Allostasis is particularly attractive because it allows assessment of how individual phenotypes may respond differentially to changing environments. Here, we use allostasis to evaluate what characteristics of individuals and their environment permit successful range expansion. Understanding variation in the regulatory mechanisms that influence response to a novel environment will be fundamental for understanding the phenotypes of pioneers.

Heme oxygenase-1 derived carbon monoxide permits maturation of myeloid cells.

Critical functions of the immune system are maintained by the ability of myeloid progenitors to differentiate and mature into macrophages. We hypothesized that the cytoprotective gas molecule carbon monoxide (CO), generated endogenously by heme oxygenases (HO), promotes differentiation of progenitors into functional macrophages. Deletion of HO-1, specifically in the myeloid lineage (Lyz-Cre:Hmox1(flfl)), attenuated the ability of myeloid progenitors to differentiate toward macrophages and decreased the expression of macrophage markers, CD14 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (MCSFR). We showed that HO-1 and CO induced CD14 expression and efficiently increased expansion and differentiation of myeloid cells into macrophages. Further, CO sensitized myeloid cells to treatment with MCSF at low doses by increasing MCSFR expression, mediated partially through a PI3K-Akt-dependent mechanism. Exposure of mice to CO in a model of marginal bone marrow transplantation significantly improved donor myeloid cell engraftment efficiency, expansion and differentiation, which corresponded to increased serum levels of GM-CSF, IL-1α and MCP-1. Collectively, we conclude that HO-1 and CO in part are critical for myeloid cell differentiation. CO may prove to be a novel therapeutic agent to improve functional recovery of bone marrow cells in patients undergoing irradiation, chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation.

An analysis of the epidemiological and etiological factors of oral tumors of young adults in a Central-Eastern European population.

The etiology of tumors in young age is not precisely known yet, but studies on the topic generally agree that in this group of patients the traditionally known behavioural risk factors (tobacco and alcohol abuse) play no or a significantly less important role. Oral squamous cell carcinoma occurring at a young age is a topic of utmost importance that is extensively and intensively researched as, while the overall incidence of oral cancer is decreasing worldwide, that of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in young adults is steadily increasing. The present article aims at presenting the main questions and characteristics of tumors in young adults in Central-Eastern Europe and in developed West European countries as contrasted to tumors found in middle aged and elderly patients. Factors influencing the development of oral cancer include regulatory factors of the cell cycle, the inherited vulnerability of the genetic code of certain proteins and the presence of HPV infection with an oncogenic genotype. The connections of HPV infection and genetic damages are studied intensively. It is known that the prevalence of oral HPV infections is growing with a background of potentially changing sexual habits. It is debated, however, whether smoking and alcohol consumption could have a connection to HPV associated oral cancer and whether the spread of HPV in itself could be an explanation for the growing occurrence of young-age tumors. There is no consensus in the literature as to the prognostic significance of age. Some research groups have found a better life expectancy for young patients, while other authors found a worse prognosis for these patients. It is known that the prognosis of head and neck tumors, the prevalence of HPV infections as well as genetic mutations show regional and ethnic variations. This might be explained by differences in the degree of development of a preventive system, in the quality of care and in the attitudes of young patients towards visiting a doctor. The study is made difficult by incomparable patient selection criteria as well as by the question of the intraoral localisation of tumors as an independent risk factor.

Serum 25(OH)-cholecalciferol concentration is associated with hemoglobin level and erythropoietin resistance in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has been observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it is associated with clinical outcomes. The presence of ESA resistance cannot always be explained by the known risk factors of the condition, suggesting that additional factors may be involved. We wanted to test the hypothesis that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with lower hemoglobin (Hb) and ESA resistance in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Data from patients receiving maintenance HD in a single dialysis center were extracted from the medical records in a retrospective chart review. Basic patient characteristics and laboratory data including Hb, serum albumin, intact parathyroid hormone and serum 25(OH)-cholecalciferol (25(OH)D(3)) levels were collected. ESA dose and Kt/V were extracted from the dialysis charts. Correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to reveal potential independent associations between clinical and laboratory parameters and ESA resistance. RESULTS: Data from 142 patients were analyzed. Serum 25(OH)D(3) concentration was significantly correlated with Hb (ρ = 0.186, p < 0.05) and also with ESA dose/Hb index (ρ = 0.230, p < 0.01). In multivariable regression analyses, serum 25(OH)D(3) concentration remained significantly associated with both Hb and ESA dose/Hb index after controlling for potentially important confounders. CONCLUSION: Serum 25(OH)D(3) concentration is independently associated with erythropoietin responsiveness in CKD patients on maintenance HD. If this association will be confirmed, treatment trials looking at the effect of vitamin D supplementation on anemia treatment in CKD patients may be warranted.

HIF-1: a key mediator in hypoxia.

The transcription factor HIF-1 is one of the principal mediators of homeostasis in human tissues exposed to hypoxia. It is implicated in virtually every process of rapid gene expression in response to low oxygen levels. The most common causes of tissue hypoxia are inflammation and/or insufficient circulation or a combination of both. Inflamed tissues and the areas surrounding malignant tumors are characterized by hypoxia and low concentrations of glucose. Serious and generalized inflammation can lead to sepsis and circulatory collapse resulting in acute or chronic tissue hypoxia in various vital organs which induces a rapid homeostatic process in all nucleated cells of affected organs in the human body. Under hypoxic conditions the alpha and beta subunits of HIF-1 make an active heterodimer and drive the transcription of over 60 genes important for cell survival, adaptation, anaerobic metabolism, immune reaction, cytokine production, vascularization and general tissue homeostasis. In addition, HIF-1 plays a key role in the development of physiological systems in fetal and postnatal life. It is also a critical mediator of cancer, lung and cardiovascular diseases. The better understanding of the functions of HIF-1 and the pharmacological modulation of its activity could mean a successful therapeutic approach to these diseases.

Formaldehyde and some fully n-methylated substances in boar seminal fluids. Short communication.

On the basis of recent observations it is supposed that seminal fluids may contain--mainly in hydroxymethyl groups--formaldehyde (HCHO) and quaternary ammonium compounds as potential HCHO generators, therefore, preliminary investigations were carried out for the identification of these compounds in pig seminal fluids using OPLC, HPLC and MALDI MS techniques. The fresh pig seminal fluid was frozen in liquid nitrogen, powdered and aliquots (0.25 g) were treated with 0.7 ml ethanolic dimedone solution. The suspension was centrifuged and the clear supernatant was used for analysis by OPLC or after dilution with HPLC or MALDI MS technique. After OPLC separation of formaldemethone the fully N-methylated compounds which are stayed on the start point were separated by OPLC using an other eluent system. It has been established that the HCHO is really a normal component of the pig seminal fluid, as well. It can be isolated and identified in dimedone adduct form. The measurable amount of HCHO depended on the concentration applied of dimedone. According to OPLC and MALDI MS investigations L-carnitine is the main quaternary ammonium compound in pig seminal fluid which can generate a protection of the sperm cells against environmental and other influences. Considerable differences have been found among individuals concerning concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds in the seminal fluid of pigs.

Enhanced tumor necrosis factor-alpha-specific and decreased interleukin-10-specific immune responses to LPS during the third trimester of pregnancy in mice.

It is increasingly apparent that there is a bidirectional interaction between the maternal immune system and the reproductive system during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with a suppression of maternal specific immune responses, which process underlies the protection of fetal tissues expressing paternally inherited alloantigens. However, recent evidence indicates that the suppression of specific, lymphocyte-mediated immune responses during pregnancy is accompanied by activation of the non-specific arm of the maternal immune response. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of pregnancy on the non-specific immune response induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) in mice. Pregnancy enhanced the LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon-gamma. On the other hand, LPS-induced levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were suppressed in pregnant mice. These alterations in cytokine production correlated with an increased susceptibility for endotoxemic mortality in the pregnant mice. Although adrenergic receptors are important regulators of cytokine production in non-pregnant mice, the alpha(2)- and the beta-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of cytokine production ceases to operate during pregnancy associated with severe endotoxemia. These data may explain how excessive activation of the non-specific immune responses during pregnancy can contribute to the increased severity of some maternal diseases, including septic shock, and can be an important pathophysiological factor in disseminated intravascular coagulation or preeclampsia.

Anti-inflammatory effects of inosine in human monocytes, neutrophils and epithelial cells in vitro.

Inosine is an endogenous purine, which has been recently shown to exert immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-shock effects in rodent experimental systems. Some of these actions may be related to partial adenosine receptor agonistic effects. It has not been investigated previously whether inosine exerts similar immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory effects in human cells or enzymes. Here we investigated the effects of inosine on the activation of human monocytes, neutrophils and epithelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, using a human inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) enzyme, we examined the potential effects of inosine on the activity of IMPDH, an enzyme involved in the regulation of certain inflammatory/immune processes. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated whole blood was used as an indicator of human monocyte activation. The response was dose-dependently, partially suppressed in the presence of inosine. Inosine exerted a dose-dependent and, at the highest dose (3 mM), complete inhibition of the ability of human neutrophils activated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) to induce cytochrome C reduction in vitro. In the human colon cancer cell line HT-29, inosine dose-dependently attenuated the production of IL-8. Inosine failed to affect the activity of IMPDH. Taken together, we conclude that inosine exerts anti-inflammatory effects in many human cell types. Further studies need to establish whether inosine supplementation exerts anti-inflammatory effects in human beings.

Autogenous bone versus beta-tricalcium phosphate graft alone for bilateral sinus elevations (2- and 3-dimensional computed tomographic, histologic, and histomorphometric evaluations): preliminary results.

The aim of this research was to compare 2 different graft materials, beta-tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb) and autogenous bone, used in the same patient. Bilateral sinus grafting was performed on 4 selected patients; Cerasorb only was used on the experimental side, and autogenous bone only was used on the control side. In all 4 patients, the maxilla was atrophied to such an extent that the reconstruction included not only sinus grafting but also onlay plasty. The procedure was followed by implant placement 6 months later. In addition to routine panoramic radiographs, 2- and 3-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) examinations were performed pre- and postoperatively and after implantation. Information from CTs is necessary when alveolar bone atrophy is extensive, complications appear probable, and in difficult cases, when exact documentation is important. A total of 16 bone biopsies were taken at the time of implant placement. The histologic and histomorphometric results indicated that when the formation of new bone was slow, it was slow on both sides; when it was fast, then it was fast on both sides. Individual patient factors strongly influenced the fates of the various graft materials in the organism. Comparisons of the present results with the findings of other investigators demonstrated that beta-tricalcium phosphate is a satisfactory graft material, even without autogenous bone.