Compact structures for single-beam magneto-optical trapping of ytterbium.

At present, the best optical lattice clocks are based on the spectroscopy of trapped alkaline-earth-like atoms such as ytterbium and strontium. The development of mobile or even space-borne clocks necessitates concepts for the compact laser-cooling and trapping of these atoms with reduced laser requirements. Here, we present two compact and robust achromatic mirror structures for single-beam magneto-optical trapping of alkaline-earth-like atoms using two widely separated optical cooling frequencies. We have compared the trapping and cooling performance of a monolithic aluminum structure that generates a conventional trap geometry to a quasi-planar platform based on a periodic mirror structure for different isotopes of Yb. Compared to prior work with strontium in non-conventional traps, where only bosons were trapped on a narrow line transition, we demonstrate two-stage cooling and trapping of a fermionic alkaline-earth-like isotope in a single-beam quasi-planar structure.

Serum metabolomic profiling highlights pathways associated with liver fat content in a general population sample.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fatty liver disease (FLD) is an important intermediate trait along the cardiometabolic disease spectrum and strongly associates with type 2 diabetes. Knowledge of biological pathways implicated in FLD is limited. An untargeted metabolomic approach might unravel novel pathways related to FLD. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a population-based sample (n=555) from Northern Germany, liver fat content was quantified as liver signal intensity using magnetic resonance imaging. Serum metabolites were determined using a non-targeted approach. Partial least squares regression was applied to derive a metabolomic score, explaining variation in serum metabolites and liver signal intensity. Associations of the metabolomic score with liver signal intensity and FLD were investigated in multivariable-adjusted robust linear and logistic regression models, respectively. Metabolites with a variable importance in the projection >1 were entered in in silico overrepresentation and pathway analyses. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, the metabolomics score explained 23.9% variation in liver signal intensity. A 1-unit increment in the metabolomic score was positively associated with FLD (n=219; odds ratio: 1.36; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-1.45) adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking and physical activity. A simplified score based on the 15 metabolites with highest variable importance in the projection statistic showed similar associations. Overrepresentation and pathway analyses highlighted branched-chain amino acids and derived gamma-glutamyl dipeptides as significant correlates of FLD. CONCLUSIONS: A serum metabolomic profile was associated with FLD and liver fat content. We identified a simplified metabolomics score, which should be evaluated in prospective studies.

In search of genetic constraints limiting the evolution of egg size: direct and correlated responses to artificial selection on a prenatal maternal effector.

Maternal effects are an important force in nature, but the evolutionary dynamics of the traits that cause them are not well understood. Egg size is known to be a key mediator of prenatal maternal effects with an established genetic basis. In contrast to theoretical expectations for fitness-related traits, there is a large amount of additive genetic variation in egg size observed in natural populations. One possible mechanism for the maintenance of this variation is through genetic constraints caused by a shared genetic basis among traits. Here we created replicated, divergent selection lines for maternal egg investment in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to quantify the role of genetic constraints in the evolution of egg size. We found that egg size responds rapidly to selection, accompanied by a strong response in all egg components. Initially, we observed a correlated response in body size, but this response declined over time, showing that egg size and body size can evolve independently. Furthermore, no correlated response in fecundity (measured as the proportion of days on which a female laid an egg) was observed. However, the response to selection was asymmetrical, with egg size plateauing after one generation of selection in the high but not the low investment lines. We attribute this pattern to the presence of genetic asymmetries, caused by directional dominance or unequal allele frequencies. Such asymmetries may contribute to the evolutionary stasis in egg size observed in natural populations, despite a positive association between egg size and fitness.

Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring for cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia in a patient with Marfan syndrome and cardiomyopathy.

Maternal cardiac output and stroke volume increase significantly at the time of cesarean delivery. Parturients with baseline myocardial dysfunction are at increased risk of cardiovascular decompensation in the peripartum period and close hemodynamic monitoring is warranted. We report our use of intraoperative non-invasive cardiac output monitoring during cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia in a 24-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to Marfan syndrome, aortic arch, aortic valve and mitral valve replacements and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 37%. Three distinct hemodynamic trends were noted. After achieving adequate surgical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine 20mL, cardiac output and stroke volume rose for approximately 20min from baseline values of 6.3L/min and 69mL, respectively, to 9L/min and 107mL. Values subsequently trended down and remained depressed for nearly 20min following delivery. The lack of immediate post-delivery increases in both cardiac output and stroke volume were attributed to acute blood loss, intravascular volume depletion from fluid restriction, and slow infusion of oxytocin. By the end of surgery, cardiac output and stroke volume ultimately increased by 66% and 84% of baseline values, respectively. Systemic blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output did not appear to correlate despite the use of phenylephrine to manage hypotension. The patient remained hemodynamically stable with no evidence of acute volume overload.

Lamotrigine for schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Treating the 20-30% of people with schizophrenia whose symptoms are resistant to treatment can be problematic. Adding lamotrigine to ongoing antipsychotic treatment has shown to be of benefit in preliminary studies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of adjuvant lamotrigine for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register (February 2006) and inspected references of all identified studies for further trials. We contacted relevant authors of trials for additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all clinical randomised trials comparing lamotrigine with placebo or other antipsychotic augmentation strategies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted data independently. For homogenous dichotomous data we calculated random effects relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and, where appropriate, numbers needed to treat (NNT) on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we calculated weighted mean differences (WMD). MAIN RESULTS: We found five relevant trials (total n=537), but no usable data on service outcomes, general functioning, behaviour, engagement with services, satisfaction with treatment or economic outcomes. Overall, reporting of data was poor. Those data we were able to use suggested that equal proportions of people allocated lamotrigine or placebo had no global response (n=208, 1 RCT, RR 1.06 CI 0.73 to 1.54). There was no significant difference between groups in the proportions of people whose mental state did not improve (n=297, 3 RCT, RR 1.26 CI 0.81 to 1.97). There was, however, a significant reduction in the PANSS total scores (n=67, 2 RCT, WMD -16.88 CI -8.57 to -25.18, p=0.0001), positive symptom sub-scale scores (n=65, 2 RCTs, WMD -5.10 CI -8.86 to -1.34) and negative symptom sub-scale scores (n=67, 2 RCTs, WMD -5.25, CI -7.07 to -3.43). Most cognitive measures showed no differences (n=329, 2 RCTs, RR not attaining BACS composite score of 0.5 1.10 CI 0.59 to 2.04). The proportion of participants leaving studies was about 25% at 12 weeks (n=537, 5 RCTs, RR 0.96 CI 0.71 to 1.29). The lamotrigine group did experience the outcome of any adverse effects significantly more frequent than people allocated placebo (n=429, 2 RCTs, RR 1.19 CI 1.02 to 1.38, NNH 10 CI 5 to 90). Among the many effects listed, only nausea was found to be significantly more (9%) in the lamotrigine group compared with placebo (n=465, 3 RCTs, RR 2.26 CI 1.05 to 4.88). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for use of lamotrigine as an adjuvant for people with schizophrenia is not robust and large well-designed, conducted and reported real-world randomised trials are needed to determine its place in everyday clinical practice.

Rat mucosal mast cells: the cultured bone marrow-derived mast cell is biochemically and functionally analogous to its counterpart in vivo.

Mast cells (MC) are biochemically and functionally heterogeneous and the mixture of MC phenotypes varies according to anatomical location. Intestinal mucosal MC (IMMC) have been used to study the mucosal MC subset in the rat, but they are difficult to isolate in sufficient numbers and with consistent purity and viability. Bone marrow-derived MC (BMMC), with an apparent mucosal MC phenotype, can be cultured in large numbers and with high purity from normal rat bone marrow using supernatants from mesenteric lymph node cells of rats infected with the nematode, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. We have compared serine proteinase content, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) storage and secretion, and TNF-alpha-dependent cytotoxicity of IMMC and BMMC to assess the appropriateness of BMMC as in vitro models of mucosal MC. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis revealed that the overall protein constituents of BMMC and IMMC were highly homologous. Immunoblotting confirmed that both MC types expressed the MMC-associated enzyme, rat mast cell proteinase-2 (RMCP-2), but not RMCP-1, mast cell proteinase-5 (MCP-5) or carboxypeptidase A (CPA), which characterize the connective tissue MC in the rat and which were detected in a representative of this subset, namely, the periotoneal MC (PMC). BMMC demonstrated levels of TNF-alpha-dependent cytotoxicity that were equivalent to those of IMMC. Like IMMC, BMMC contained little stored TNF-alpha, in comparison with PMC, but both MC types generated substantial amounts of TNF-alpha 6 hr following IgE-mediated activation. Pretreatment of PMC with recombinant rat interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) for 20 hr inhibited anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE)-mediated release of the granule-associated enzyme, beta-hexosaminidase, whereas identically treated BMMC were unresponsive to this cytokine. Similar results have previously been reported for IMMC. Rat BMMC, unlike their more immature and less phenotypically committed counterparts in the mouse, appear therefore to be more appropriate models for studies on the mucosal MC.

Demographic, social, and economic effects on Mexican causes of death in 1990.

PIP: This study examined spatial geographic patterns of cause of death and 28 demographic and socioeconomic influences on causes of death for 31 Mexican states plus the Federal District for 1990. Mortality data were obtained from the state death registration system and are age standardized. The 28 socioeconomic variables were obtained from Census records. Analysis included 2 submodels: one with all 28 socioeconomic variables in a stepwise regression, and one with each of the 4 groups of factors. The conceptual model is based on epidemiological transition theory and empirical findings. There are 4 stages in mortality decline. Effects are grouped as demographic, sociocultural, economic prosperity, and housing, health, and crime factors. Findings indicate that cancer and cardiovascular disease were strongly correlated and consistently high in border areas as well as the Federal District and Jalisco. Respiratory mortality had higher values in the Federal District, Puebla, and surrounding states, as well as Jalisco. The standardized total mortality rate was only in simple correlations associated inversely with underemployment. All cause specific mortality was associated with individual factors. Respiratory mortality was linked with manufacturing work force. Cardiovascular and cancer mortality were associated with socioeconomic factors. In submodel I, cause specific mortality was predicted by crowding, housing characteristics, marriage and divorce, and manufacturing work force. In submodel II, economic group factors had the strongest model fits explaining 33-60% of the "r" square. Hypothesized effects were only partially validated.^ieng

Expression of the nonstructural protein NS1 of equine influenza A virus: detection of anti-NS1 antibody in post infection equine sera.

The nucleotide sequence of the nonstructural protein NS1 of the influenza virus A/equine 2/Suffolk/89 was determined and found to be 97% identical to that of A/equine 2/Miami/63. A similar level of identity was shown for the deduced NS1 amino acid sequence. The NS1 gene was expressed, in its entirety and in part, as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase using the pGEX-3X expression vector. Antibodies to NS1 protein were detected in serum samples from ponies experimentally infected with influenza virus, but not in animals vaccinated with whole inactivated virus or in unprimed control animals. The antigenic determinant(s) of NS1 protein appear to be located in the C-terminal half of the protein. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the use of NS1 protein as a differential diagnostic marker for influenza virus infection in the presence of high levels of circulating antibody to influenza haemagglutinin generated by recent vaccination.

Development and validation of a method to extract and quantitate paromomycin and gentamicin from an Aquaphilic cream formulation.

Butanol and dilute sulfuric acid were used to extract paromomycin and gentamicin from Aquaphilic-based formulated creams. The extraction procedure was validated over different antibiotic concentration ranges for linearity, precision, accuracy, limited specificity, sensitivity and solution stability.

Proteinases of rat mast cells. Peritoneal but not intestinal mucosal mast cells express mast cell proteinase 5 and carboxypeptidase A.

Six basic proteins of 26 to 38 kDa with isoelectric points (pI) > or = 8.5 were abundant in proteins separated by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE from adult rat peritoneal mast cells (MC). One was identified previously as rat mast cell proteinase (RMCP) 1, a chymase of 26 to 28 kDa, pI > 9.0. Microsequence analyses showed that two polypeptides of about 29 and 30 kDa had NH2 terminal amino acid sequences homologous to mouse MC proteinase 5 (MCP-5), whereas the amino terminals of the 33, 35, and 36 kDa proteins were homologous to MC carboxypeptidase A (MC-CPA). Rabbit Abs produced against synthetic peptides of the identified NH2 terminal sequences were used in immunoblot studies. At least three proteins reacted with Abs to MC-CPA, whereas Abs to MCP-5 detected three adjacent polypeptides, rather than just the two identified by using microsequence analysis. Removal of oligosaccharide side chains using peptide:N-glycosidase F reduced the heterogeneity of each set of three polypeptides (MCP-5 and MC-CPA) to a band of each protein of a lower M(r). The serine proteinase inhibitor [3H]diisopropylfluorophosphate ([3H]DFP) bound to a proteinase of 30 to 35 kDa, which is probably MC tryptase (pI < or = 6.0). Immunoblot analysis of proteins from intestinal mucosal mast cells showed RMCP-2, but not RMCP-1, MCP-5, or MC-CPA. This is the first report of MCP-5 in the rat and of clearly distinguishable glycosylated forms of MC CPA. These proteinases appear to be restricted in their distribution to selected MC populations, but little is known about their functions.

[Blood products stored in plastic bags: release of plasticizers from the bag material]. / Vérkészítmények müanyag zsákban: lágyító kioldódás a zsákfalból.

The plasticizer di-(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is slowly leached from the wall of the PVC blood bags into the blood products. It will be partly incorporated into the membranes of the blood cells, and finally will be transfused together with the blood products into the recipient, where DEHP might exert toxic effects. DEHP content was determined by HPLC in different blood products stored in plastic bags manufactured by different firms (Medicor--Hungary, MacoPharma--France, Terumo--Japan, Baxter--USA). In whole blood DEHP is present mainly in the plasma and blood bags of different firms show similar results. 1 unit of whole blood contains 20-50 mg DEHP on day 14 of storage, and 30-55 mg on day 28, while red blood cells resuspended in plasma contained only 2-15 mg on day 14. 15-20 mg DEHP was found in 1 unit of plasma stored for 4 days at +4 degrees C. Only 1-4 mg DEHP was detected in 1 unit of erythrocytes (cca. 200 ml) even on day 14 of storage. The supernatant of platelet concentrates contained the relatively highest amount of DEHP (even 50-65 mg was found in 1 unit of platelet concentrates on day 5 of storage). When platelet concentrates were studied, essential differences were recorded between the bags manufactured by different firms. Platelet reactivity is better maintained in storage bags manufactured without DEHP.

Projection of the Mexican national labor force, 1980-2005.

Mexico has a large and rapidly growing labor force. This paper projects the Mexican national labor force from 1980 to 2005, with varying assumptions of vital rates, economic activity, and international migration. Projections are also made for the urban and rural components of the Mexican population, assuming inter-component migration flows. Results indicate that the Mexican labor force will grow over the projection period at an average annual rate of 907,000 to 1,183,000 workers; will age slightly; and will have a much higher proportion female. Implications are discussed in terms of Mexican-U.S. migration, possible agreements on free trade, and global trends in workforce.

Model systems for learning pediatric flexible bronchoscopy.

Considerable practice is necessary to develop the skills essential to successful and safe performance of flexible bronchoscopy, especially in pediatric patients. We review a number of model systems, both mechanical and living, for learning and maturing bronchoscopic skills. For each of the animal models (canine, feline, leporine, and simian), the relevant anatomy and anesthetic techniques as well as the relative advantages and disadvantages of each model are discussed.

[Socioeconomic determinants of migration in Mexico]. / Determinantes socioeconomicos de migracion en Mexico.

"This study examines the socioeconomic influence on migration frequency and transitory movements in four Mexican regions. The analysis is based on data gathered from the [Mexican Fertility Survey] 1976-1977, considering the influences of...education, occupation, literacy, place of residence and fertility. The methods used for this analysis were regression and logistic regression." Aspects considered include patterns of internal migration in Mexico, data sources, analysis of independent variables, migration experiences, and age effects. A comment by Carlos Brambila Paz is included (pp. 179-83). (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Evaluation of a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam as an anesthetic for ferrets.

A combination of equal parts by weight of tiletamine hyrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride was evaluated clinically in 12 adult male ferrets. Two dosage levels of 12 mg/kg and 22 mg/kg were evaluated. Both doses produced excellent immobilization, the length of which was dose dependent. However, only the higher dose consistently produced good muscle relaxation. Excessive pain upon infection was not noted nor was residual lameness evident. Electrocardiagraphically, notching of the QRS complex was noted at both doses. Anesthesia with poor analgesia occurred at the lower dose, while ferrets receiving the higher dose showed more variability in the degree of analgesia. It was concluded that this combination administered intramuscularly provided excellent immobilization, variable muscle relaxation and a generally smooth induction and recovery. At the higher dose, analgesia was adequate for minor surgical procedures of short duration.

Fertility determinants in the oil region of Mexico.

This study analyzes fertility determinants in the oil region of Mexico, consisting of the states of Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche. Data are from the 1980 Mexican census and the unit of analysis is the municipio. The regression models, in which the dependent variables of children ever born and child-woman ratio are examined, reveal religious variables to be most significant, with greater fertility for non-Catholics and persons with no religion than for Catholics. Also of great importance are economic variables. Literacy and urbanization, both "classical" Mexican fertility variables, reduce fertility. There are major differences among three urban/rural and three indigenous language subsamples. Results are discussed vis-a-vis demographic theories and prior research.

PIP: This study analyzes fertility determinants in the oil region of Mexico, consisting of the states of Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche. Data are from the 1980 Mexican census. The regression models, in which the dependent variables of children ever born and child-woman ratio are examined, reveal religious variables to be most significant, with greater fertility for non-Catholics and persons with no religion than for Catholics. Also of great importance are economic variables. Literacy and urbanization, both "classical" Mexican fertility variables, reduce fertility. There are major differences among 3 urban/rural and 3 indigenous language subsamples. The religious effects may be explained by 1 version of the minority-status hypothesis. Particularly notable were higher fertility in areas with greater no/low income and male labor force participation, and lower fertility in areas with greater female labor force participation but higher overall unemployment. There are significant fertility-lowering effects from literacy and urbanization, both well-known effects in previous worldwide and Mexican literature. Immigration is generally not significant except for secondary importance in the low urbanization and medium indigenous areas. Comparison across urban/rural sample shows that religious variables are important for the high and low urbanization samples but not for the rural samples, that economic effects are important for all 3 samples, and that indigenous language is most important for the rural sample. Comparison of indigenous samples reveal that literacy is more significant for the medium and low indigenous samples, while there are sample-specific religious and economic effects for all 3 indigenous samples.

An examination of regional migration patterns in Mexico: new and old Mexican regions.

This paper examines Mexican regional patterns. Different regional definitions are utilized to examine in-/out-migration patterns in 4 different periods: 1) 1979-1980, 2) 1975-1979, 3) prior to 1975, and 4) lifetime. 5 regional definitions previously used to delineate state level Mexican regions were compared to new regions by a maximum likelihood clustering technique. Previously defined regions do not compare with the empirically delineated regions developed by the cluster analysis. A cluster analysis of in-/out-migration patterns suggests the following: 1) distinct in-/out-migration patterns for both short- and long-term migration patterns, 2) a central region consisting of Mexico and the Federal District having its own distinct regional characteristics for both in-/out-migration patterns, particularly intraregional migration among those 2 states exceeds any other interregional migration patterns, and 3) the unique role played by Jalisco in mediating long-term inflows prior to 1975, and since 1975, out-migration from the same state. Previous research rarely identified the Central region consisting of Mexico and the Federal District. Using net migration for interregional migration analysis may possibly be misleading since immigration and out-migration phenomena show distinct patterns of geographic mobility at the state level, and such regional differences are consistent for the 4 migration periods. A careful analysis accounting for both distinct migration patterns in the Central region and different patterns in in-/out-migration are necessary to obtain an understanding of regional migration patterns in Mexico.